PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Tuesday was one of the coldest days of the season so far in Pittsfield, so it was fitting for the Berkshire Dream Center to have their first winter coat distribution of the season as well.

“Unfortunately the weather is getting colder here in Massachusetts, so we had some amazing donations of brand new coats, so we wanted to make them accessible,” said Katelynn Miner, founder and executive director of the Berkshire Dream Center. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Berkshire Dream Center held its first winter coat giveaway of the season on Tuesday
  • The center has about 200 coats, as well as several hats, scarves, and boots for people in need
  • With the cost of clothing on the rise, the need for warm winter clothes is higher than ever
  • The next coat giveaway will be in December at the Morningside Community School’s winter fest

The center has about 200 coats, as well as hats, scarves, and winter boots available to anyone who needs them. Like many products, the cost of clothing is on the rise, and Miner said people have been asking about their coat drive for weeks.

“In the stores with inflation, unfortunately that puts some people who are already struggling in more of a tough situation,” said Miner. “And so the need for clothing we’re seeing is huge.”

There was a steady stream of people coming to their table Tuesday afternoon. The Dream Center started doing this winter coat giveaway years ago, but Miner expects this year they’ll be helping more people than ever.

“From what we’re seeing, there’s a steady increase for the needs,” said Miner. “And so that’s where we’re so happy when people want to make donations they can for the next one, and we’ll make sure that they get in the hands of people.”

The center will be having more coat distributions throughout the winter, and the next one is likely to be at the Morningside Community School’s winter fest day, coming up in December.