My name is Kelly Brown, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the office administrator at the United Church of Bernardston (UCB) for the past 10 years. In that time, I’ve been continually impressed by what this church can accomplish through pure volunteerism — and how many lives have been touched because of it.

UCB has long been an active, integral part of the town of Bernardston. We’re well known for our community events, including Roast Beef Suppers, the Christmas Bazaar, the Golf Tournament, and the ever-popular Gas Engine Show, Flea Market & Craft Fair (happening this weekend). We participate in local parades and host seasonal events like our drive-through Halloween Trick or Treat that encourage attendance by children, their parents and grandparents, and bring our townspeople together. Our commercial kitchen and Fellowship Hall serve as vital gathering spaces for groups like the Girl Scouts and for baby showers, birthday parties, and more — filling a unique need in our area.

These efforts wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships — with the town, local officials, and organizations like the Bernardston Kiwanis. When people come together for a meaningful cause, great things can happen. Sometimes those partnerships begin in unexpected ways.

Tierney Sodders, a mother of five, became involved with It Takes a Village, a non-profit based in Huntington that provides a critical safety net for families in western Massachusetts, especially during the postpartum period. Inspired by their mission, she opened a satellite clothing closet at the Northfield Library in 2022. When the space became too small in 2024, she began looking for a new home.

That search led her to UCB.

We saw a chance to meet a growing need in our community and believed in Tierney’s passion and preparedness. It’s been a win for Tierney, a win for the church, and — most importantly — a win for local families.

In January 2025, The Nest Community Closet opened its doors in the lower level of the United Church of Bernardston (entry via the parking lot at 58 Church St.). This all-volunteer, donation-based space offers free children’s clothing (sizes preemie through 14 juniors), pregnancy and nursing wear, baby gear (like strollers and Pack ’n’ Plays), and information on area resources. Volunteers help connect families to support services, whether they’re seeking baby-wearing guidance, childcare referrals, or bereavement support.

Tierney brings not only dedication but lived experience to her work. After the devastating loss of her first biological child, she became a volunteer and active member of Empty Arms Bereavement Support of Western Massachusetts, which she now refers families to when they’re facing pregnancy or infant loss. Her experiences as a parent and her deep roots in the community have also connected her with groups like Western Mass Babywearers and Seven Hills, allowing her to guide families toward a wide range of helpful supports. She also runs the Western Mass Playgroups Facebook page, which offers a regularly updated list of local playgroups, story times, and parenting support groups throughout the region.

Since opening, The Nest has served over 275 families and supported more than 500 children, including expecting parents, grandparents, foster families, and those who speak Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. Tierney is a deeply caring and motivated individual, and we are honored to be part of her journey. Her commitment to serving others is both inspiring and impactful.

The Nest is always seeking new volunteers, and flexible hours are available. Monetary donations can be made in cash or by check (made out to United Church of Bernardston with “The Nest” in the memo line). Clothing, shoes, diapers, and baby gear can be dropped off during open hours, scheduled for pick-up (contact info below), or placed in one of two 24/7 drop-off bins: 113 Hope St., Greenfield (wood house), or 245 Millers Falls Rd,, Northfield (blue house).

To get involved, call or text Tierney at 413-239-4990, or email nestcommunitycloset@gmail.com, or find The Nest on Facebook.

The Nest Community Closet hours are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. From April through October, it is also open the third Tuesday of the month from 4 to 6 p.m.

United Church of Bernardston is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday Services are 10:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. during summer months, and children are welcome.