"So many people in our communities continue to struggle, especially during this time of economic hardship," Greylock President Marilyn L. Sperling said.

 

The event runs through July 31 and donations of canned goods, non-perishable items or cash donations can be made at any Greylock branch and free reusable grocery bags will be given out for each donation at any Greylock branch location. The Western Massachusetts Food Bank will be in Pittsfield on August 7, 2012 to collect the donations and distribute them to local food pantries. All donations received will stay in Berkshire County.

 

The items most needed include spaghetti and pasta, canned spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, rice, canned soup or stew, peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna fish or chicken, low-sugar cereals, and canned beans.

 

The Pittsfield Suns baseball team and the radio station Live 95.9 will appear at the West Street branch to kick off the event Saturday. Anyone who donates a monetary or non-perishable food item on that day will receive a free admission ticket to a Pittsfield Suns game. Additionally, anyone who shows a reusable Greylock bag at the gate on Saturday, July 21, will receive one free admission.