ABC clothing sale Donates $16,000 to four local charities

Source: Gail Burns / 413-458-4246 / gburns35@gmail.com

Williamstown, MA (December 22, 2016): The ABC Clothing Sale Steering Committee is delighted to announce the disbursement of $16,000 in unrestricted grants from the proceeds of its big annual Clothing Sale in September, and the numerous specialty and pop-up sales it has held throughout the year.

 

"We are grateful to be cooperating with so many in the Berkshires.  Whether working alongside our wonderful volunteers, interacting with friendly bargain hunters, or supporting local agencies, ABC's efforts benefit our community through its commitment to recycling used clothing and sharing the proceeds with organizations in need."

– Julie MacDonald and Cathy Nolan, ABC Sale Co-Managers

 

"ABC" stands for "A Better Community," echoing the Sale's commitment to recycling clothing and household linens, and their mission to benefit local charitable organizations that serve at-risk families and youth and address hunger, poverty and inequality in Northern Berkshire communities.

 

This year the money was distributed between the following four organizations, to support their work in the communities of Northern Berkshire:

 

• The Elizabeth Freeman Center - provides life-saving, life renewing help to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and to their families

 

​​

"The ABC Sale's donation to Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) will ensure that EFC's North Adams office can continue to provide lifesaving, life-renewing help to over 820 survivors of domestic and sexual violence in North County next year, and will support EFC's violence prevention education with children and youth in an ever-growing number of North County schools (including McCann, Hoosac Valley, BART, and Mt. Greylock)."

– Rebecca Bradburd, Director of Operations and Communications

 

• Louison House – Family Life Support Center - provides transitional and permanent housing solutions and food for the homeless. This work has recently been disrupted by a fire at Louison House, and so monies are needed to repair and rebuild as well as to provide ongoing support for families and individuals in need.

 

"Thank you to the A Better Community Clothing Sale for the wonderful donation to Louison House from the fall clothing sale.  The donation came at a perfect time when we happened to be waiting for payments from our federal funding that were delayed.  The funds were utilized in covering fall expenses for Louison House including food, supplies, and installation of new bookkeeping system to help us to better track our financial system.  Thank you all for helping us to better serve the homeless in our community."

 – Kathy Keeser, Executive Director

 

• Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action Initiative for the Friendship Center Food Pantry - Provides food and personal care items every Wednesday to households in North Adams, Clarksburg, and Florida. Numerous service agencies are available to pantry users during the sign-in process, including a nurse.

 

"This generous donation helps our all-volunteer organization continue to provide ample, nutritious food to our friends in need. The financial boost this grant gives us allows us to concentrate not on fundraising but on person-to-person service in a supportive environment that builds community."

– Mark Rondeau, Board President

 

• Williamstown Food Pantry at Sts. Patrick & Raphael Parish – distributes food and other support to around four hundred families, with Williamstown as the major area served.

 

"This holiday season the donation from ABC helped us wipe out the big cost of holiday groceries, and allowed us include a couple of little extra things – like butter – things that make it feel like Christmas. And extras to take our families through the vacation week when children don't get their lunch at school. We have a huge crew of volunteers. The whole community really kicks in for us - churches, colleges, non-profits, and individuals – and a donation like this really lifts everyone's spirits."

– Carol DeMayo, Director

 

None of this would be possible without the dozens of hard-working ABC volunteers who help collect, sort, wash, and price our donated clothing year 'round, as well as giving their all for the big sale in the fall. Here's what some of them had to say:

 

"It is enjoyable to be part of the effort!"

 

"I love ABC and what it does."

 

"It was great meeting and working with the ABC team!"

 

"We are grateful that the sale is such a great support to the area."

 

This year a large amount of clothing and bedding has already been donated to the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Soldier On, Haiti Plunge, Goodwill Industries, local veterinary clinics, and a village with extreme need in Malawi.

 

Collecting, sorting, and preparing clothing and linens for sale is a year-round operation, and volunteers are always needed and welcome. Donations of gently used clothing and linens are always appreciated and can be dropped off at the First Congregational Church in Williamstown. E-mail abcclothingsale413@gmail.com for more information; and check http://www.facebook.com/abcclothingsale for updates.