News  Massachusetts Trial Court employees launch statewide winter clothing drive following successful food drive during which tons of food was collected and donated to local charities.

The photo grid features photos of food drives at Worcester District, Eastern Hampshire District, Hampden Superior and Plymouth Probate & Family courts.

The clothing and toy initiative follows a statewide food drive which resulted in the collection of tons of non-perishable food. The statewide food and winter clothing drives were launched as part of the Massachusetts Trial Court’s 5th Annual Cultural Appreciation Week which was recently celebrated across the Commonwealth in courts, court offices, Community Justice Support Centers, and in the community. 

“Trial Court employees are continuing to support their communities as they see the distress and people struggling. The courts are located in the communities and as community courts we are hosting this winter clothing and toy drive as a way that we can help those in need. I want to also thank court users and the community who donated to the drives,” said Pamerson Ifill, Deputy Commissioner of Probation-Pre-trial Services. Mr. Ifill introduced the idea of Cultural Appreciation Week in the Trial Court.

Cold weather gear such as coats, sweaters, socks, hats, mittens and gloves as well as toys are being collected at participating courts, court offices, and centers during court hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The statewide food drive is the largest of its kind in the country. Last year, more than 15 tons of food was donated to food pantries and charitable organizations throughout the state.

The food and supply drives and the addition of the winter clothing drives were introduced last year during the Pandemic when organizers of the week’s activities decided to help those who are 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 live in food insecure homes, according to Feeding America.