Please Lend a HAND
One way to get involved with HANDS is to please consider a financial donation to ensure that we provide services for older adults in Vermont. Even a small donation on your part goes a LONG way to improve their quality of life. You may donate online via PayPal or Venmo. If you would like to send a check, please make it out to HANDS and mail it to 13 St. Louis Street, Burlington VT 05401.
HANDS is a 501c3 organization and your donation is tax deductible. Thank you very much!
Diverse Pantry
After an assessment of need with many individuals and organizations, we are filling gaps in getting food to older adults in our immigrant and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. During the summer and autumn, we offer a “pantry” with staples such as culturally-friendly fresh veggies, a variety of dried beans, different kinds of rice, herbs and spices, and eggs that we deliver weekly. HANDS partners with local African farmers, AALV, Age Well, the City of Vermont, Feeding Chittenden, Mascoma Bank, and Vermont Foodbank.
Season’s Eatings
During the holiday season, we write cheery notes in greeting cards and then tuck a $20 grocery card and food access resource guide inside. Anything from volunteering to write notes and/or address envelopes, make a financial donation, or purchase postage stamps is tremendously helpful. Thank you!
Arlene Woods Giving Fund
A few years ago, we established the Arlene Woods Giving Fund in honor of Arlene’s kind and giving heart. We are also happy to list a donation “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone special to you. Thank you so much for helping to get food to seniors!
We accept checks, PayPal or Venmo for your
generous donations. Thank you very much!
Arlene Woods Giving Fund
Burlington resident Arlene Woods turned 90 on October 5, 2020. In honor of this very special occasion, HANDS was pleased to announce the Arlene Woods Giving Fund. With our mission to get food to low-income seniors, Arlene’s been a supporter for many years. “Arlene gave to many people in so many ways over the years and we wanted to honor a remarkable woman,” said Executive Director Megan J. Humphrey.
Arlene lived in Vermont for 57 years, thinking that it was special here because of the great opportunities, a good place to bring up children, and the political outlook. She had 5 children, 2 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
Arlene was an avid artist and a former member of the Essex Art League and Northern Vermont Artist Association. She was an avid gardener with her backyard named “The Enchanted Forest”. She loved to harvest and then cook her vegetables. Arlene was a Patriots, Red Sox, and UVM hockey fan and supported the North Burlington Little League fundraising efforts. She loved to go fishing, camping, and frequented the Swans Of New England casino tours. When asked about turning ninety, Arlene said “I made it! I didn’t think I’d make it because of all the years with health issues.” Sadly, Arlene passed away in April 18, 2021. Arlene is missed by so many, but we continue to honor her.
Arlene believed that helping others is important—she loved people and wanted to be kind to those who could use a helping hand. If you would like to donate to the “Arlene Woods Giving Fund” in memory of Arlene and in support of our programs, please donate and select the “Arlene Woods Giving Fund”, or mail a check to HANDS, 13 St. Louis Street, Burlington VT 05401. Thank you so much! We are so sorry that we lost you, dear Arlene.
Arlene Woods
Arlene with daughters Arlette, Linda, and Donna at Heineberg Senior Center’s 90+ birthday celebration
With Gratitude
From the bottom of our hearts, HANDS would like to thank all of the individuals, businesses, organizations, and our board members for help throughout the years. We are hugely dependent on volunteers and community assistance. HANDS couldn’t do it without you—-thank you! Our website wizard is Matt Tucker and we appreciate his tech savvy. And special thanks to Ki McClennan for lending a hand with our financials.
Our Board of Directors & Advisors
Reeve Lindbergh, Advisory Council
Gail Moreau, Consultant
Tim Palmer, Consultant
Kirk Rankin, Board Member
Beth Sachs, President
Mara Welton, Secretary/Treasurer
Howard Frank Mosher, In Memoriam
Megan J. Humphrey, Founder & Executive Director