The Berkshire Eagle  reports the county's largest employer has given a boost to the Salvation Army's response to disasters from the Berkshires to Boston and beyond.

Berkshire Health Systems has donated its Health & Wellness Community Outreach mobile unit to the Pittsfield Salvation Army, which will be turned over to the Massachusetts Salvation Army. While the vehicle will be used throughout New England and Mid-Atlantic states, Berkshire County has first priority, according to local and regional Salvation Army officials.

The 11-year-old vehicle will be upgraded and re-lettered before it's pressed into service, likely by the end of the year, said Capt. Elliott Higgins of the Pittsfield Corps on West Street.

 

The Massachusetts Salvation Army will manage and operate the donated vehicle, according to Chris Farrand, regional coordinator for the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services. Farrand said the initial investment to retrofit the mobile unit to the Salvation Army's specifications could cost up to $25,000. The work includes possible replacement of the generator, installing communications equipment and other renovations.

 

 

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