Vermont Volunteerism Follows Tropical Storms

Good Morning Coffee Lovers,

While we here at Brown and Jenkins were not majorly impacted by the recent tropical storm and its destruction, many Vermonters were. And I am still getting questions from our Coffee Club members, and others far away, about how the state is doing. Thanks to the huge involvement of folks in this area, I think we can help our southern neighbors through what might be a long recovery.

Hands-On Vermont

Vermont is truly a hands-on, help your neighbor type of place. Last week Adam Howard , our local state representative, distributed large boxes to be filled with non perishables. We had only 36 hours to fill the boxes as he was picking them up to be delivered and distributed to Bennington, one of the hardest hit areas.

Jack Corse, a local businessman, provided the truck and he and Adam delivered 3 tons of food and over $2,000. Brown & Jenkins filled the box twice and we raised $100, and more items, thanks to your donations.

We put out a tweet and a post on our facebook page and people just came pouring in with everything from baby food to pet food. What a great community and show of support on such short notice. A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped in so many ways and to all my customers who stopped to donate food and cash.

What You Can do to Help

Since people are asking, yes, we are still taking cash donations and have raised $200 for several day care centers in Waterbury that lost everything. Laurie Boyden of Boyden Valley Winery is collecting toys and books (in good shape) , crayons, coloring books, and dress up clothes for the day care centers. This will be a long term, and slow, recovery and we plan to help the day care facilities get back on their feet. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

What About the Coffee?

I always say that coffee connects the world. So even though this blog doesn't focus on coffee facts, don't worry. We're still roasting the Vermont Maple Crème Coffee and offering those increasingly popular, single brew eko-brew filters for your Keurig coffee maker. Next week I'll focus on some specific coffees for this fall foliage season.

Until then, I'm enjoying the fact that my passion for coffee is providing me with a way to connect with you, and help my local community.

Until our next cup,
Sandy Riggen