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

The Trial Court Cares Drive will run through November 15 followed by a winter clothing drive from December 1 to December 15. State courthouses and court offices across the Commonwealth are participating in this event.

Last year, this effort collected 15 tons of food and organizers hope to collect as much or more for food pantries and charitable organizations across the state. More than 200 boxes of cold weather gear - for infants to adults - was collected and distributed last year.

The Trial Court Cares Drive - the largest of its kind in the country - kicked off during Cultural Appreciation Week - October 16-20. 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 Pamerson Ifill, Deputy Commissioner of Probation-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.