An illuminated star at the top of Covanta Haverhill’s stack became a traditional holiday symbol in that northeastern Massachusetts city. And over the course of nearly three decades, the star has also come to represent the facility’s steadfast commitment to its community.
The star, made up of 50 light bulbs, was first affixed to the stack in 1992, shortly after the facility opened. Each year, it is lit after nightfall on Thanksgiving Day and remains illuminated until New Year’s Day. It can be seen for miles along Interstate 495. The star has become so embedded in the community’s consciousness that one year, when the facility was a day late in getting the star lit, it got several phone calls from concerned residents. The star also made an appearance in the spring at the height of the pandemic.
Still in the holiday spirit, Covanta Haverhill employees led by Administrative Assistant Heidi Brickley responded to an urgent call put out by the Angelo Petrozzelli Food Pantry at Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford, MA with a food drive for non-perishable items as well desperately needed toiletry items. The pantry assists over 1200 families per month, with that number growing as a result of the pandemic.
After a week of collection, the employees went to the store and gathered even more! Their efforts will ensure that many who need help will get it. Above is a picture of some of the items donated.