News  Massachusetts Courts Host Fifth Annual Statewide Trial Court Cares Food and Clothing Drive

It is two weeks until Cultural Appreciation Week, October 21st-25th, and the official kick-off of the Massachusetts Trial Court's Fifth Annual Trial Court Cares Clothing and Food Drive which was originally launched during the Pandemic.

The Trial Court Cares Drive will begin October 21st and run through Friday, November 22nd, followed by a winter clothing drive from December 1st-15th.

State courthouses and court offices across the Commonwealth are participating in this event. This year, several courts have gotten a head start in planning their events.

Last year, this effort collected more than 20 tons of food and organizers hope to collect as much or more for food pantries and charitable organizations across the state.

More than 260 boxes of cold weather gear - for infants to adults - was collected and distributed last year.

Each year, the Trial Court Cares Drive - the largest of its kind in the country - takes place during Cultural Appreciation Week. It is a celebration of the culture, diversity, and community.

“There are many families as well as single individuals who are struggling financially and need a helping hand. This drive is our way of supporting the communities we serve and live in," said Carmen Gomez, Deputy Commissioner- Pretrial Services.

Bins for non-perishable foods and supplies such as toiletries are set up at courthouses and Community Justice Support Centers across the state. Cold weather gear such as coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves, and mittens also will be collected. The Trial Court Cares drive is organized by the court’s Cultural Proficiency Champions, who participate in diversity and inclusion training and assist court users in navigating the court system.

The food and supply drive launched during the pandemic when a champion introduced the idea of helping those experiencing “food insecurity.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as "a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level.” Thirty percent - 1.6 million - of adults in Massachusetts do not know where their next meal is coming from. One in five children in the state lives in food insecure homes, according to Feeding America.