BRATTLEBORO — In a year like no other in recent history, Brattleboro has often been at the epicenter of local disasters.
Having just completed their second sizeable fund drive of the past six months, New Chapter has shown tremendous support for their Brattleboro neighbors and the state the company calls home.
Windham County was devastated by Tropical Storm Irene. The owners and employees of New Chapter, a Brattleboro-based producer and distributor of organic, probiotic whole-food vitamins and herbal supplements, identified the Red Cross as an organization that has stepped in to help their neighbors during times of great need.
Substantial donations were made by New Chapter and their employees, but they wanted to encourage broader community participation. New Chapter established a fund to be administered by the Brattleboro Savings & Loan and invited donations from anyone who wished to contribute. In a month's time, the combined efforts of New Chapter and the community resulted in the $14,322.50 being raised on behalf of the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross.
The recent fund drive is the second organized by New Chapter in the past six months. New Chapter first stepped forward in the aftermath of the devastating Brooks House fire in April. That fire raged through the landmark building in the heart of Brattleboro's downtown, leaving all of its 53 apartment units uninhabitable.
The American Red Cross immediately opened a shelter, providing a place to stay, food and support for displaced residents. In addition to maintaining a shelter for a week, the Red Cross worked tirelessly, with many of its state and Windham County partners, to relocate those left homeless by the blaze. The fundraising efforts lead by New Chapter and supported by their employees and the broader community, resulted in a $10,000. donation this past spring.
In the span of six months, New Chapter, its employees and the local community raised more than $24,000.00 for the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross.
“The efforts of New Chapter, their employees and those in the community that they inspired to give have helped ensure that Red Cross can fulfill its mission to provide disaster relief when it is needed most,” said Larry Crist, regional executive of the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross.
“This past year is proof that disasters can strike at any time, and the Red Cross has consistently and compassionately served the people of Brattleboro, Windham County and all of Vermont during some very trying times,” said Mark Gavin, president and chief financial officer of New Chapter. “We are very fortunate to have a group of employees and a community that so readily stepped forward to help others.”
All emergency assistance provided by the American Red Cross is provided without charge and is made possible by donations from fellow community members. To help those in our region who have been affected by disaster, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross at www.vermontredcross.org or by mailing a contribution to 29 Mansfield Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.