The heartbreaking floods

Widespread flooding earlier in July ruined homes, businesses, nonprofits, farms, gardens, roadways, and so much more throughout the state of Vermont. Many seniors were affected with their homes demolished, farms flooded, and gardens destroyed. There are more heartbreaking stories than one can imagine. Fleeing as waters rose, staring at flooded fields of contaminated vegetables, wondering how to get fresh water or a hot meal, shoveling mud out…these images have been all over the news.  

HANDS is committed to lending a hand to older adults in our area who have been affected. In our partnership with Feeding Chittenden and Vermont Foodbank, the Diverse Pantry program offers food to seniors in our immigrant and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. A donation to HANDS at www.handsvt.org/donate will help us increase the number of people who can get healthy food delivered this summer and fall.

When President Calvin Coolidge toured Vermont by train in September 1928, after witnessing the devastation of the 1927 flood, here are some of the words he spoke: “I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all because of her indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who have almost beggared themselves to serve others. If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other parts of the Union, and support of our institutions should languish, it could all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave little state of Vermont.” People all over our brave little state are coming together to help each other out in these very tough times. We truly are “Vermont Strong.” Thank you for joining us! #vermontstrong