News  MPS supports communities year-round with statewide charitable drives

The Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) has demonstrated its commitment to its clients and the communities through MPS’ charitable drives such as a statewide Sneaker and Shoe Drive, perishable food and supply drives, clothing closets, and a recent Project PACK Drive to assist survivors of crime.

"On any given day, the Massachusetts Probation Service--whether at intake prior to arraignment, during supervision, post incarceration, and in our Juvenile and Family and Probate Courts--we work with individuals and children and families who are dealing with poverty, inequality, struggling with the lack of opportunity, and in many instances social disorganization," said Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill.

Commissioner Ifill added, "As a Probation Service, it is incumbent upon us as a Trial Court department to recognize and understand these can be social drivers of crime and delinquency. It is MPS’ goal to assist clients in getting back on their feet and on the right track. These drives are a great way to assist our clients, while demonstrating our compassion for clients and helping those who are struggling. We also hope this type of assistance can offer a measure of stability that will aid in the reduction of crime and increase compliance with probation requirements."

Here are examples of MPS’ charitable giving efforts:

• Pretrial Unit’s Sneaker and Shoe Drive at courts and MPS’ Community Justice Support Centers (CJSC)s
• Somerville District Court Probation partnered with PUMA to provide 140 pairs of shoes for children at the Mystic Learning Center and the Mystic Housing Authority.
• Northern Berkshire District Court Probation staff marked the 10th year of hosting the Annual Project Warm Winter for local veterans.
• Fitchburg District Court Probation Officer II Diamily Titus conducts the Backpack Project for homeless clients. PO Titus provides a backpack full of clothing, flip flops, toiletries, and snacks to homeless clients.
• The Victim Services Unit’s annual statewide Project PACK Drive to benefit victims of crime. VSU collected 14 boxes of donations, including comfort and toiletry items which were donated to local hospitals for Post-Assault Comfort Kits (PACKS). The kits contain undergarments, tissues, and toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion and deodorant. These PACKS are given to survivors of sexual violence who report to a hospital or a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for treatment or evidence collection.
• The Trial Court Cares Clothing and Food Drive. Last year, more than 20 tons of food was collected and distributed to charitable organizations statewide. More than 260 boxes of cold weather gear —for infants to adults—were also collected and distributed.
• Bristol Superior Court Probation created a Clothing and Toiletry Closet, which includes men’s and women’s clothing, and toiletry packets—deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and women’s personal hygiene products.