The items are there for anybody who needs them.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of scarves, hats and gloves are scattered out on the benches in Park Square.

But, those items aren't lost.

They were placed there by a group of five area residents for anybody who is out in the cold. The items feature a note explaining why they are there.

 

"There was a post on Facebook about it being done in another city and I just thought it was beautiful," said Patti Lyon Reed.

 

"I just thought it was something nice we could do with the pending weather."

 

Almost immediately after sharing her idea on Facebook, others jumped on board. She set a time to meet that afternoon.

 

Nanci Taylor agreed to meet and shared it on her wall. So did Kelly Weider. Julie Street saw and brought her son.

 

"It's a good cause. You don't realize how many people are cold and out there," Street said. "It was freezing that day and the wind was blowing."

 

The women pulled out items from their closets or went to local discount stores and gathered hats, gloves and scarves. In total, 25 to 30 items were tied to the benches.

 

"We knew there was a storm coming and we hoped some could be taken before that," Taylor said. 

 

Park Square was chosen because it was most central. Reed said it looks like only a couple items were taken — but for an impulsive act of kindness, that's a success. 

 

"I work in the health-care field and I know there are a lot of people who don't have a lot," she said. "It doesn't have to be homeless people. It can help somebody who just doesn't have a lot and needs a scarf."

 

While the snowstorm may be over, there is still a lot of winter left. Reed says she is hoping this act of kindness will catch on and others will do the same.

 

"My hope is other people will follow suit. I'd like to keep it going as long as the city allows it," Reed said.