Campaigning for a Cause
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- Created on Friday, 17 April 2015 19:27
- Written by Ryan Jenot
ST. JOHNSBURY- The Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity’s primary goal is to make sure each and every person has a decent place to live. The organization builds home’s for families that are in need and the only cost families must take care of is the cost of materials.
To make these projects become reality, the Northeast Kingdom chapter launched its capital campaign last month called, “Building it Forward: Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities.” The goal of the campaign is to raise $100,000 by the end of this calendar year. One week into the endeavor just under $5,000 was raised. Coordinators hope that with money raised, the organization can become more sustainable.
Money raised through the campaign will be stored away for other home projects in the area that will be used in the future. In addition, the Northeast Kingdom location is looking to upgrade software and hardware so that they can better serve their applicants and customers.
The Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity also raises money through their Resale Restore at the Green Mountain Mall in St. Johnsbury. At the store, a variety of items are donated and then sold at a more affordable rate to customers. The store, which solely exists as a fundraiser for the building and repairing fund, is primarily run by dedicated volunteers.
“We’re a volunteer driven organization,” said store general manager Patricia Janssen. “Without them, we couldn’t run the store."
Lisa Dodge, a grandmother of 8 children, volunteers at the store several times a week. She says the time is well spent.
“It’s fun,” said Dodge. “We have a lot of customers that are regulars; they come in here [and] we know them by name [and] they know us by name, so it’s very nice.”
According to Dodge, the store was never really busy in the winter, but she has hopes for the future as she plans to continue to volunteer her time.
“I’m going to stay here as long as they’ll keep me,” Dodge chuckled. “I like to stay busy so now that springs coming, I have a feeling things are going to pick up.”
For those looking to keep Lisa busy this spring, the ReSale ReStore is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday's from 10am-2pm.
