HOLYOKE — In a show of support for the local community and those on the journey to recovery, Rice Fruit Farm donated dozens of pumpkins to MiraVista Behavioral Health Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) on Oct. 30. These pumpkins will be used in therapeutic group activities, where participants will engage in painting and creative expression, further fostering a sense of community that is critical for individuals navigating their path to sobriety.

“At MiraVista, we believe in the importance of community and creating spaces where individuals can engage in meaningful, supportive activities,” said Kimberley Lee, MiraVista’s chief of Creative Strategy and Development. “This generous donation from Rice’s Fruit Farm not only adds a seasonal touch, but also provides our clients with an opportunity to connect, engage, and express themselves creatively through activities like pumpkin painting. It’s these types of contributions that strengthen the sense of belonging that is so vital for recovery.”

The pumpkins will be central to group activities within MiraVista’s IOP, where clients will paint and decorate them, using art as a tool for self-expression and teamwork — both essential components for long-term sobriety.

Anthony Maloni, owner of Wilbraham-based Rice Fruit Farm, emphasized the commitment of the family-owned business to giving back to the community. “We’ve always believed in supporting our neighbors, and this donation is a small way to show that we’re rooting for everyone in recovery. We hope these pumpkins bring a bit of joy and help people see that, like the seasons, there’s always opportunity for growth and renewal.”

MiraVista’s IOP provides clients with a safe and structured environment as they work toward recovery from substance use. This donation underscores the collaborative spirit between local businesses and the mental-health and substance-use recovery community.

WILBRAHAM — Rice Fruit Farm is named after original owner, Jesse Rice who established, back in the late 1800s, what is now described as an historic New England farmstand owned by the Maloni family. The operation features an in-house bakery, homemade ice cream, and fresh breakfast items year-round, in addition to seasonal local and organic vegetables.

It also supports events promoting mental health, including during last week’s National Suicide Prevention Week. In partnership with Holyoke-based MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, beverages sold throughout that week at Rice’s carried the sticker: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress who dial or text 988.

“Doing this with MiraVista is a no brainer,” Anthony Maloni said. “You hear stories around mental health, whether they involve people you know or who are known, and yet, mental illness is not as widely understood as other illness. Treatment for it is half the battle. If we can help with that in any way — even just with one person — that would be an incredible outcome of this effort.

“Simply raising awareness of the 988 number and the services of MiraVista is an undertaking we are more than eager to be a part of,” he added. “We have many young people from area colleges frequenting our location, a population we will target with this messaging.

Maloni said Rice’s sells about 12,000 beverages monthly with cider from native apples particularly popular this time of year.

Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista, called the 988 labels on Rice’s cups “mini-billboards.”

“Suicide prevention, as well as recovery from mental illness and substance use, are all about the importance of intervention, the earlier the better, and public support for intervention,” Lee said. “We are extremely thankful for the Maloni family partnership and their willingness to use Rice’s as a platform for a conversation about suicide prevention.”

For more information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which routes calls to the center nearest the individual’s area code, visit 988lifeline.org.