2023 Winter Newsletter
The Chester Andover Family Center has had a very busy and productive 2022. We held two successful fundraising events; Christmas Under the Tent and the Empty Bowl Dinner, raising $6,000. Participation in our Food Shelf and Financial Assistance Programs has increased and we look forward to meeting the needs of our community in 2023.
Our volunteer staff is expanding and thriving. Support for our mission to make a difference in our community by providing resources for financial assistance, supplemental nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods is strong.
November and December saw an increase in Chester and Andover residents seeking financial assistance and becoming Food Shelf participants. In November, seventy-one households representing one hundred sixty-two individuals shopped at our Food Shelf. Our Financial Assistance Program provided nearly $4000 worth of assistance to residents for heat, electricity, rent and other essential needs.
To help families during the holiday season, we provided gift certificates to all Food Shelf participants. Each family received a $25 gift certificate for each member of their household to spend in our Thrift Shop. These gift certificates were well received, and families used them to purchase both gifts and essential items that would help them enjoy the holiday season. It is joyful to be in the Thrift Shop when families are selecting their gifts, wrapping paper and cards.
In December we welcomed Gail Stewart as a new board member. Gail brings a wealth of business experience and knowledge of the community to our board. We look forward to working with her as we engage in new projects and maintain our ability to meet the needs of people in our community.
Our big news is that we are ready to move forward on a renovation/expansion project. Three years ago a lightning strike to our building resulted in structural damage to our Thrift Shop storage area. We are now soliciting contractors to bid on this project at our building located at 908VT RT 103 in Chester. The project is to replace a storage area with an enclosed storage shed, approximately 12 x 27 feet, adjacent to the rear of our building. Detailed specs are available in our bidding package.
Our goal is to distribute the bidding package in January, 2023. Contractors are invited to call the center at 802-875-4309 and leave a message or email us at cafc302@gmail.com att. Nena Nanfeldt, with inquiries regarding this project, to request a bidding package and schedule an on-site visit.