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Emergency responders and volunteers set up for last year's toy drive at Walmart. They will be at the store again on Saturday for the 2025 toy drive.

North Adams Emergency Services Collecting Toys for Local Children

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — If you see emergency vehicles at Walmart on Saturday — give them a toy. 
 
The annual Emergency Service Toy Drive will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for needy families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. 
 
The emergency responders will be set up near the Walmart entrance and will be accepting suitable toys for ages zero to 12 like board games, dolls and action figures, building blocks, art supplies and sports equipment.
 
Toys can also be dropped off until Dec. 11 at the police station, fire station, ambulance station and Bright Ideas Brewery. Monetary donations can be dropped off at the police station to MaryAnn King's attention. 
 
The city's Police and Fire Departments and Northern Berkshire EMS have been running the drive for about decade now. 
 
But organizer King said this year the need is greater than ever. The drive already has 62 families and more than 120 children signed up.
 
"It seems likes it's going to be a tough year and we want to make sure everybody gets something," said King. 
 
Families and children are mostly identified through the Berkshire Community Action Council; volunteers, including from Berkshire Family and Individual Resources, help organize the toys by age and wrap them up for distribution in December. 
 
All of the donations will be given out to children in the community. 

Tags: Christmas story,   emergency services,   toys,   

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Weekend Outlook: Wilco Weekend & Summer Fun

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
It's Wilco Weekend in North Adams and an estimated 10,000 people will be descending on the city. The band curates the every other summer three-day Solid Sound festival at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. It's too late to get tickets — the event's sold out! — but you can hear some of the performances in the downtown area. Or, you can listen for free on NEPM (New England Public Media) 88.5.
 
Check out the other events happening this weekend including parties, craft, and more

Friday

Karaoke Night
Dalton American Legion
Time: 9 p.m.

Sing your heart out at karaoke night.

More information here.

Berkshire Prides Birthday Bash
Stationary Factory, Dalton
Time: 7 p.m.

Celebrate 10 seasons of Berkshire Pride with a birthday dance party. There will be games, treats, face painting and more.

More information and tickets here.

Musical Bingo Fundraiser
Adams Theater
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of fun, music, and bingo with DJ Bizz to help support the theater's summer season.

More information and tickets here.

Summer Movie Night at Clapp Park
Clapp Park, Pittsfield
Time: 8:30 p.m.

Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy "Zootopia 2" and you will also be able to buy popcorn and soda.

More information here.

'A Hundred Words for Snow'
'62 Center, Williamstown
Time: 2 & 7:30, Friday-Saturday
 
After her father’s unexpected death, 15-year-old Rory discovers that he was planning a trip for the two of them to the North Pole. So, she picks up his ashes, her passport, and her mother’s credit card, and sets out to make good on his plans. Produced by the Chester Theatre Company. 
 
Tickets and more information here.
 

Saturday

Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate summer at the library with musical performances, lawn games, crafts, and free ice cream.

The balloon twisting workshop and the adult Escape the Mummy’s Tomb will need to be signed up for.

More information here.

Hudpuckers & Team Contraband car show
Wahconah Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the second year, join Hudpuckers Pub for its annual car show with also motorcycles and trucks.

More information here

Craft Lab
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Drop into the library every Saturday and Monday for a free craft, this Saturday is painting rocks.

More information here.

Bennington Pride
Pleasant Street, Bennington, Vt.
Time: 10 to 4
 
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