Latest News from CAFC
Here we are in June still in the grip of the Pandemic. As David and I walk every day from our home to the Common and around town, we observe many people with masks respecting social distancing. We notice children being very mindful of their space and surroundings. It is not unusual to observe a five or six-year-old keeping an eye on us as we approach and giving a tug to her mom to move over a bit. These gestures are always met with a thank you and a compliment. We are raising a generation of observant, mindful children.
The CAFC Board has been monitoring VT State “opening” announcements and we are pleased to make our own “Thrift Shop” opening announcement.
The Chester Andover Family Center Thrift Shop will be open for business starting Friday, June 19, 2020.
The CAFC Board recently adopted new protocols to guide how we administer our Food Shelf, Financial Assistance and Thrift Shop programs. All new protocols are consistent with CDC and State of Vermont Guidelines and are intended for the safety of our customers, recipients and volunteers.
Our Food Shelf will continue to operate with a drive-up, take out system. Recipients will continue to receive their food boxes outside. Volunteers and recipients who may need to be in the CAFC are required to wear masks, use hand sanitizer when they enter and respect social distancing. Food Shelf hours are Thursdays, 1-5 and Fridays, 10-2.
Financial Assistance requests must be made by calling the Center at 802-875-3236 and leaving a message with your name, a phone number where we can reach you and a description of your need. This phone is monitored daily and your call will be returned by a FA Volunteer.
NEW Thrift Shop Hours
Our Thrift Shop will be open for shopping, beginning Friday, June 19 for two days a week: Fridays, 10-4 and Saturdays, 10-3.
Thursdays will be reserved for cleaning and processing donations.
NEW Thrift Shop Safety Protocols
• A limit of five customers are allowed in the store at one time.
• Customers are required to wear a mask, sanitize hands prior to entering and maintain social distancing of six feet.
• The bathroom and dressing room will not be available.
• We will receive donations on Fridays and Saturdays, outside, at the rear of the building.
We know that while these new rules are not convenient, they are not unusual for these challenging times. Patience will be required by customers and volunteers. We are confident and determined to provide a safe, enjoyable shopping experience.
Please review our Thrift Shop Donation Policy
Go to the Thrift Shop Donations Page. There is a list of acceptable donations as well as items we cannot accept. As always, we request that donations are not left on days when we are closed.
We look forward to welcoming our customers back to the shop. Our new shelving and racks are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable shopping experience. We think you will like it.