Today Big Y Supermarkets are working in conjunction with the Salvation Army to collect items that will directly benefit the victims of last week’s devastating tornadoes in Western Massachusetts.
I have been long overdue for a trip to donate to the Salvation Army, so when I heard about today’s collection, I went home and stuffed my little Subaru chuck full with clothes, books, toys and household items.
When I got there I was greeted by Gail LaGasse, the head of the Salvation Army office on Arnold Street in Westfield along with several cheerful volunteers. They told me the very large truck that they were filling was empty not long before my arrival. They plan to stay at the Big Y on East Main Street, Westfield Shops, Westfield until that truck is completely full.
During my stop there, cars were pulling up at a regular pace and were donating a variety of items. Jessica Sibilia pulled up as I was leaving and told me that she had been planning to have a tag sale, but when she heard about the drop off today, she decided to donate the items instead.
One of the volunteers, Mary, told me that she had come this morning to make a donation after clearing out her basement and decided to stay to help load the trucks. She helped me carry my multiple bags to the truck.
While the tornado and the aftermath is a horrible thing, it is wondrous to see the ways, both large and small, that our community bands together to help one another out.
You can help, too! Watch this video to learn more about how you can donate goods, services, assist with housing and more. Remember: Your Neighbors Need You!
