How Berkshire Helping Hands was Born
How Berkshire Helping Hands was BornWhen Marilyn Honig was a child, her family suffered a devastating house fire that claimed the lives of her mother and three of her siblings, and left the rest of her family homeless.
She grew up in and out of foster care and experienced homelessness several times as a child and young adult. Fortunately, there were many caring people along the way who reached out to help her get on her feet. Decades later, she is happily married and the mother of three young adults. She is a productive member of the community and tries to pay forward the kindnesses that have been shown to her in any way she can.
In November of 2018, Marilyn lost one of her only remaining relatives to cancer. Her sister Sherry was a loving, giving person who would help anyone in need. Reeling from the grief and sense of loss, Marilyn decided she wanted to carry on her sister’s legacy of kindness.
That’s why when a series of house fires occurred in the Northern Berkshire area at the beginning of 2019, she immediately knew she wanted to do something to help.
There was a need for donations of clothing and household goods for several families. Marilyn started a Facebook group to help people who wanted to help to come together around these families to collect and give donations. The response from the community was amazing. The families were overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of so many who were willing to help.
During the following months, the group grew into a large outreach for others in need. Dozens of wonderful volunteers have come forward to help at risk populations such as the elderly, homeless, those who have suffered tragedies, life threatening illnesses, food insecurity, housing and financial instability, etc. From fundraising for fire victims to giving out care packages and everything in between, the members of BHH strive to fill in the gaps and reach as many of those in need as possible. We are all in this together.