News  Berkshire Probation Departments donate books to local school and host "Community Helper Reading" event

Berkshire Probate & Family and Berkshire Superior Court Probation employees participated in a "Community Helper Reading" event on Friday at the Morris Elementary School in Lenox.

The Berkshire Probation Departments joined together to purchase and donate 200 books for children in Pre-K to third grade at the school. "The Big Balloon Race," by Eleanor Coerr and "Arthur's Loose Tooth," by Lillian Hoban are among the donated books which the Probation employees read to the children. The students listened intently and participated in a Question & Answer session.

One child asked: “Does Santa send all of his postcards out from the Courthouse?"

This activity is one of hundreds of statewide community engagement events hosted by Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) employees across the state.

"By linking educational initiatives to the court system, we strengthen our relationship and help foster trust. These experiences for the children can also plant the seed for future career exploration opportunities," said Berkshire Probation and Family Chief Probation Officer Amy Koenig who along with Berkshire Superior Court CPO Sandra Perachi-Taylor and their staffs will host this first-time event annually.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Berkshire Probate & Family and Berkshire Superior Probation Departments and our community partners for their generosity and time. Seeing our students engage with these stories alongside positive role models reinforces how powerful community support can be in shaping a lifelong love of reading," said Morris Elementary School Principal Brenda Kelley.