Berkshire Bank has launched its fifth “Season of Giving,” aimed at assisting children and families in need during the holiday season. The campaign runs through the end of the holiday season and engages bank employees in a variety of community service projects throughout the cities and towns that Berkshire Bank serves.

Berkshire Bank has teamed up with Foodshare, a food pantry serving all of Greater Hartford, to collect non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped off at any Berkshire Bank location in Connecticut through Dec. 16, or purchased online at the website through Dec. 9. Bank employees will sort donated food items at the Glastonbury Food Pantry and help distribute turkeys at the Newington Food Pantry in addition to other service activities.

In addition to local volunteer efforts, Berkshire Bank is inviting the public to participate in the initiative through You Give Goods, an innovative virtual collection site. Individuals can purchase goods online for a selected nonprofit organization in their region through early December. Purchases are 100 percent tax deductible and items are shipped directly to the organizations. To participate, visit the bank’s website.