Staci Grove has folded little origami paper cranes for HIV and Aids awareness, breast cancer, and now this year, shoppers can find her origami crane tree she spent over 40 hours building in the University Mall “Celebration of Trees” fundraiser for ANew place. “To me, it’s both a way to center and really reflect on what the intention is for these and really think about why I’m doing it,” said Grove during the last day of the fundraiser on Sunday. “Especially during the holiday season, everyone needs something and what’s better than to do a charity for someone and help out in our community,” said Daphine Bratcher. Bratcher is one of the many tree-browsers who contributed to the cause this year in the mall this year. She bought raffle tickets in hopes she’ll win a tree, all while helping the Chittenden County-based non-profit, that helps adults experiencing homelessness. “We’re over $55,000 this year,” said Erin Regan of Anew Place. “We raised over 30 thousand last year, so to know that we were able to go so beyond that just shows how much people care about us.”ANew places’ budget has skyrocketed over the last three years since the pandemic and inflation has spiked demand. It’s an increased need being seen across the span of businesses and organizations in the state, such as with Dirt-Chic of Burlington“This year is pretty busy; it’s gotten increasingly busy as the years have gone on,” said Anya Huneke of Dirt Chic.The consignment shop partnered with a neighboring business, August First Bakery, on a “Coats and Coffee” drive Sunday, where people could grab boots, hats and other winter clothing for free. “What’s the point in holding onto it if people need it? Might as well get them what they need. Everyone is better off, its Vermont, it’s freezing, we need warm clothing,” said Huneke. Any leftover clothing will be distributed to other social service organizations as businesses continue to come together to help those in need this holiday season.
Staci Grove has folded little origami paper cranes for HIV and Aids awareness, breast cancer, and now this year, shoppers can find her origami crane tree she spent over 40 hours building in the University Mall “Celebration of Trees” fundraiser for ANew place.
“To me, it’s both a way to center and really reflect on what the intention is for these and really think about why I’m doing it,” said Grove during the last day of the fundraiser on Sunday.
“Especially during the holiday season, everyone needs something and what’s better than to do a charity for someone and help out in our community,” said Daphine Bratcher. Bratcher is one of the many tree-browsers who contributed to the cause this year in the mall this year. She bought raffle tickets in hopes she’ll win a tree, all while helping the Chittenden County-based non-profit, that helps adults experiencing homelessness.
“We’re over $55,000 this year,” said Erin Regan of Anew Place. “We raised over 30 thousand last year, so to know that we were able to go so beyond that just shows how much people care about us.”
ANew places’ budget has skyrocketed over the last three years since the pandemic and inflation has spiked demand. It’s an increased need being seen across the span of businesses and organizations in the state, such as with Dirt-Chic of Burlington
“This year is pretty busy; it’s gotten increasingly busy as the years have gone on,” said Anya Huneke of Dirt Chic.
The consignment shop partnered with a neighboring business, August First Bakery, on a “Coats and Coffee” drive Sunday, where people could grab boots, hats and other winter clothing for free.
“What’s the point in holding onto it if people need it? Might as well get them what they need. Everyone is better off, its Vermont, it’s freezing, we need warm clothing,” said Huneke.
Any leftover clothing will be distributed to other social service organizations as businesses continue to come together to help those in need this holiday season.
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