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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent Businesses across the Pioneer Valley are participating in the Salvation Army's Coats for Kids initiative that hopes to collect 10,000 new or gently used coats by Oct. 12. "We are confident that helping local children stay warm this winter is as much of a priority for residents of the Greater Springfield area as it is for the Salvation Army, as we have seen such steadfast support in past years," said Major Tom Perks of the Greater Springfield Salvation Army. "We are truly grateful for all of the people who donate or participate in order to help us realize our goals." Presenting sponsors for this fall's campaign are Berkshire Bank and Belmont Laundry, assisted by media sponsors 94.7 WMAS Radio and CBS 3 Springfield. Additional businesses providing drop spots for coats include Family Wireless, UPS, Showcase Cinemas, Elms College, BMW of West Springfield, Big Adventures, Eastfield Mall and The Kid's Dentist. Belmont Laundry, with five locations throughout the Greater Springfield area, has pledged to clean every donated coat before it is distributed to children in need. Monetary donations will also be accepted in lieu of coats, as a Salvation Army kettle will also be on hand at upcoming promotional events. "Berkshire Bank is excited to support and promote this program to help make sure that kids are warm this winter in Western Massachusetts," said Michael Oleksak, Pioneer Valley Regional President of Berkshire Bank. "Berkshire Bank is committed to improving the communities it serves. I urge everyone to go through their closets and pull out those coats that no one will be wearing and drop them off to a Berkshire Bank branch or another location that is a part of this great program." For more information on branch locations and addresses, visit www.marketmentors.net. |