2025 Coins for Community Organization Voting

Vote now for your town’s monthly Coins for Community partners for April 2025 – March 2026!

Poll closes March 24th at 11pm.

Organization Info

Kingdom Animal Shelter

Kingdom Animal Shelter is a limited access, primarily volunteer, non-profit certified 501(c) (3), animal rescue organization. Our mission is to facilitate the placement of rescued, abandoned, abused or neglected animals in safe, life-long homes. We respect the inherent value of every animal in our care and we strive to prevent overpopulation and cruelty to animals. Your Coins for Community Funds will help feed, house, medicate, provide veterinary care for our cats and kittens until they find their forever home.

Your Coins for Community Funds will help feed, house, medicate, provide veterinary care for our cats and kittens until they find their forever home” The funds go to the care and housing of the cats.

Everybody Wins!

Everybody Wins! St. Johnsbury brings adult volunteer reading mentors into The St. Johnsbury School to read one-on-one with children weekly throughout the school year. These mentor pairs read together for an entire year and often for several years until the child graduates from the program. Schools teach children to read; Everybody Wins! mentors help them to LOVE reading, which gives them a better chance for academic success and a good life when they grow up.

Research shows that children who love to read do better in school overall, stay in school longer, and go to post-high-school education at higher rates. Children who have mentors are more likely to attend school and participate in sports and community activities, and less likely to use harmful substances or make suicide plans. They are also more likely to volunteer themselves as they grow older.

Mentors come to school every week during the school year and read to their student mentee over lunch. Pairs play games and talk about their lives, enabling children to have conversations they might not have otherwise. The relationship gives children an introduction to the joy of reading and one more safe adult (outside their family) who cares about them. Citizens get to know and support their community schools.

Everybody Wins! provides a mini-library of books at the school, games & supplies, and two free books for children to take home every year. Every site has a coordinator who manages volunteers, matches pairs, and supervises reading times. We plan an annual Family Night when families, mentors, and children come together for a meal and literacy activities, and pairs keep in touch with our Summer Pen Pal program.

The site coordinator interviews, orients, matches, and supports mentor pairs. They set up and clear up from reading time and conduct all other activities associated with the program. This prevents the program from being a logistical burden for school staff.” Funds from White’s Market customers will support purchases of new books, games, and supplies for the book cart; brand new books for children to take home twice a year; family night for families & mentors to meet and enjoy a meal and literacy activities together; the summer pen pal program; and program promotion for mentor recruitment.

R.I.N.K.

R.I.N.K. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and has operated Fenton Chester Arena since 2021. We provide ice for skating from October-March and turf from April-September. We have been able to keep our prices at the same low level since 2021 and have the lowest ice rates in New England while operating the oldest Vermont rink that has not been renovated. Fenton Chester Arena in Lyndonvile, Vermont is a 4-seasons facility that has served the area for over 45 years. Three high school hockey teams, LAYHA, Caledonia Hockey Club, and adult hockey calls Fenton Chester Arena home. Fenton Chester Arena offers an extensive learn to skate program and figure skating. Public skating, homeschool, and area public schools occur at Fenton Chester Arena. During the warm months Fenton Chester Arena takes out the ice and puts in artificial turf for soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball and roller hockey play. It also serves as a venue for job fairs and indoor concerts. Fenton Chester Arena has the lowest rental rates in Vermont and probably all of New England. If chosen for Coins for Community, we will be able to keep our rates low.

Operating an ice arena is expensive. We are committed to continue operating this rink and making it the most affordable Vermont facility for area skaters and turf users. Use of Coins for Community funds will be used for general operations and keeping our rates low for area residents

The Lyndon Downtown Corp

Do you like the gigantic flower pots near Bag Balm building? Do you like downtown Block Parties and Murals? The Lyndon Downtown Corp is an organization of all volunteers set up to support the creative appearance and downtown economy of Lyndon. The goal of LDRC (Lyndon Downtown Revitalization) has been to support the businesses of Lyndonville by supporting development in a beautiful way. The volunteers of LDRC strives to create a community that is attractive and welcoming to visitors and businesses alike.

We have all loved the Gigantic Flower Planters next to the Bag Balm building at the entry into Lyndonville.
The previous benefactor has passed away and we need to come up with the funds to fill and maintain these beautiful pots. The planters are filled in May and we all watch them grow over the summer. The planters grow into an incredible welcome to Lyndon and surrounding towns. People mention them and admire them everyday. The Lyndon Downtown Corp hopes to be selected for “”Round Up”” to support the creation and continued care of these planters for 2025.

Friends of Dog Mountain (FODM)

Friends of Dog Mountain (FODM) is a non-profit organization established in 2015 by the friends and family of late American artists Stephen and Gwen Huneck. Our mission is to preserve and sustain the 150-acre Dog Mountain property in Vermont as a unique national treasure, honoring the healing power of “”dogs, nature, love, and art”” and celebrating the important artistic contributions of Stephen Huneck.

FODM aims to restore Dog Mountain as an historic, cultural, and artistic treasure of national importance and fulfill the Hunecks’ vision of creating a place of healing through nature, love, art, and pets. FODM recognizes Dog Mountain as an internationally recognized and celebrated destination for dog lovers and their families and seeks to preserve and curate Stephen’s artistic creations for future generations to enjoy. FODM also sees Dog Mountain as a valued economic and community partner and seeks to collaborate with local municipalities, businesses, and nonprofits to benefit the local communities and economies of St. Johnsbury and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Friends of Dog Mountain (FODM) will use funds raised from White Market’s Coins for Community program to further its mission of preserving and sustaining the Dog Mountain property in Vermont. The funds will be used to support the maintenance and improvement of the trails, facilities, and infrastructure on the property. This may include trail maintenance and improvements, upgrades to the Stephen Huneck Gallery, and the preservation of the Dog Chapel and other important features on the mountain. Additionally, FODM may use the funds to support educational and outreach programs, community events, and other initiatives that promote the mission and vision of the organization. Ultimately, the funds from White Market’s Coins for Community program will help FODM to continue its work in preserving Dog Mountain as a unique and important community resource.

Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports

Shooting sports are a rich part of American tradition and an integral piece of Vermont way of life. 4-H Shooting Sports promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, conservation, and ethical behavior while providing youth with opportunities to develop skills such as teamwork, self-confidence, personal discipline, responsiblity, and decision making. Program areas include archery, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, sho9tgun, and hunting and wildlife.

In June 2025 Vermont Shooting Sports will be sending 11 youth to represent our state at the annual 4-H shooting Sports National Championship in Nebraska. They will join 1,000 other youth from around the country for a week of competition. The cost to send the 11 4-hers and their coaches to nationals is roughly $55,000. Funds from coins for community would aide their fundraising efforts for this competition.

St. Johnsbury Baseball & Softball

St. Johnsbury Baseball & Softball – Youth Baseball & Softball League who serves 300+ local area youth from ages 4-18. “Funds will be used for multiple things

Scholarships for our players”

Equipment for the Teams (Bats, Helmets, Catchers Gear, Balls, etc.)

Field Maintenance ( infield dirt, new bases, dugouts, etc.)

NVRH

At Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, we’re enhancing lives today and strengthening our communities for tomorrow. We provide high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services to the people who call Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom home and the many who enjoy our scenic, historic, and recreation opportunities year-round.

Located in St. Johnsbury, our service area includes Caledonia County and a portion of Essex County with a total population of approximately 30,000. Our robust rural health system includes a 25-bed critical access hospital, multiple primary care clinics, specialty and surgical services, birth center, and a 24-hour, physician-staffed emergency department. Our commitment to a lifetime of health and well-being extends beyond our hospital walls through community health initiatives aimed at keeping you and your loved ones healthy throughout life.

White Market has been a valued and generous community partner to NVRH. Thank you for considering including us in your 2025 program” ” Explanation of Funds Used: The West Wing Project
Big things are happening at NVRH! We are undertaking the largest renovation and expansion to our clinical space since moving to Hospital Hill in 1972. The West Wing Project represents a $25 million community investment that will add more than 8,300 square feet to the hospital, enhancing patient care in critical areas. This expansion will:

1. Greatly expand the Emergency Department, including a dedicated Mental Health Support Area
2. Improve and modernize spaces for the Laboratory and Pharmacy
3. Enhance patient care, privacy, and efficiency for both staff and the community

Your Community, Your Hospital
With a community fundraising goal of $5.5 million, we are incredibly close—having already raised $5 million! Your support plays a vital role in ensuring this project meets the evolving healthcare needs of our region.
Why This Expansion is Needed
Medical care has advanced significantly over the last 50 years, but our facilities have not kept pace. Right now, patients and staff face challenges such as:

4. Cramped treatment rooms with little privacy
5. Limited waiting areas and too few restrooms
6. Insufficient space for modern medical equipment
7. Walk-in and ambulance entrances exposed to harsh weather
8. An Emergency Department that has seen a 300% increase in patient volume over the past 50 years

Your Support = Big Impact
With this expansion, we will:

9. Increase Emergency Department treatment rooms from 9 to 12
10. Add a 4-room Mental Health Support Suite to better serve patients in crisis
11. Create private consultation spaces, additional restrooms, and improved patient drop-off areas
12. Expand the Lab with a larger waiting area, private blood draw rooms, and improved patient flow
13. Enhance the Pharmacy with a new consultation space for better patient care

Dr. Ryan Sexton puts it best:
“In 50 years, we’ve seen a 300% increase in patient volume at our Emergency Department. This expansion is going to be a game changer… Your investment today ensures NVRH can meet your needs into the future.” With your continued support and your customers, we can bring this vision to life—providing the exceptional care our community deserves for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of this transformational journey!

Village Improvement Society (Powers Park)

Village Improvement Society (Powers Park) has served area communities for over 105 years. Our mission is to provide fun, affordable and healthy recreation opportunities for local children and families and to promote physical activity in a safe and convenient outdoor setting. We ensure that all enrolled children are provided with high quality swim and tennis instruction during our 8 week summer program. We serve over 400 children from Lyndon and surrounding towns. We also have groups and businesses use the pool and picnic area for events like company picnics, graduations and family reunions. This money will be used to help fund our operations for our 8 week summer program and will continue to help keep the costs of tuition affordable to the 400 + children that we serve.

Kingdom Recovery Center

Our Mission is to provide a safe space and environment for individuals, families, and friends who are seeking help and recovery from substance use disorder and to promote wellness through peer coaching, support groups, focused programming, and community collaborations.

Our Vision is to enrich the social lives of individuals, families, and communities who have been affected by substance use and misuse.

Compassion: We follow standards to cultivate an atmosphere of peer professionalism with nonjudgmental compassion. Our facility and conduct represent a clean, safe, welcoming, and positive experience.

Empowerment: is at the core of our mission at the Kingdom Recovery Center. Through education, support, and encouragement, we empower all individuals to make the best choices for their healing and growth.

Community: We genuinely and transparently collaborate with our community partners to holistically serve and support the human being and the community.” ” The funds would be used for our Outdoor Adventures in Recovery and our Mindfulness Art Expressions Group for Parents in Recovery.

The Community Justice Center

The Justice Center is a non-profit that has numerous programs that work with people involved with the criminal justice system and victims of crime in Caledonia and Southern Essex counties. We have the following programs at the Justice Center: Caledonia and Essex County Court Diversion, Transitional Housing, Reentry Programs that assist people getting out of jail with Navigation Services and Circles of Support and Accountability (volunteer teams that work with people getting out of jail for a year as they reenter the community), Free Legal Clinics (free legal advice for people who need, but can’t afford a lawyer), St. Johnsbury Parking Ticket Appeals, The Safe Driving Program (for people who have had DUI’s and other driving related offenses), Reparative Panels (for people who commit crimes make amends to victims of their crimes), Crime Victim Services, a Community Fridge (for homeless people to get free food and assist people to get 3 Squares and other benefits), Opioid Remediation Programming, and Legal info and assistance. The Justice Center employs 10 employees and has over 80 volunteers who run programs All funds received will go directly into the continuing running of the Center. Our Legal Clinic Program is dependent outside funding to keep it fully operational. The funds also go into a victim services account that can help reimburse and support victims of crimes in Caledonia and Essex Counties. Funds also will go toward the buying of food for the Community Fridge that helps feed homeless people in the area, currently this program is fully supported by community donations and staff donations, but we frequently run short.

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday Inc.)

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday Inc.) has been in Lyndonville since 2009, and has been offering services to those in our community that require life’s basic necessities. Our mission has always been to help in a loving and compassionate way, and in doing so, we hope to instill a desire to help others. We operate a thrift store in downtown Lyndonville, stocked almost entirely with donations from community members, where our charitable organization is based out of. Over ten years ago, we started the first Backpack Program in our region, which provides bags of food to children from 9 area schools facing food insecurity over the weekends. This program has grown to be the most significant service we offer, and has the largest impact on our community. We also provide homeless services to those who find themselves suddenly homeless, emergency services for those facing a flood or fire, free clothing vouchers, and teacher packages throughout the school year to our area schools, filled with school supplies, just to name a few. We do all of this with no federal, state or local government funding; all of our work is funded through donation, while requests for our assistance have increased year to year. Thanks to the continuing support of programs such as Coins for Community, H.O.P.E. was able to provide hundreds of meals, and urgently needed supplies immediately to those who were impacted by the 2024 flooding within our community, and continue to assist those who are still affected. Any funding provided through the Coins for Community would be spent on programming that we provide our community. While we try to use as much as we can from in-kind donations, we cannot solely rely on them, and do purchase on a monthly basis food/toiletry items/etc. for our various services.

Caledonia Hockey Club (CHC)

“Caledonia Hockey Club (CHC) is a donation supported ice hockey program for girls ages 2-20. All abilities welcome. Girls hockey is fun, skill based and empowering! Run by coach Ken Burchesky and volunteers from the high school Kingdom Blades team, CHC is on the ice at the Fenton Chester Arena for one hour each Sunday 5-6 pm.
With full thanks and appreciation, donors help remove most financial barriers to entry!
Donors and volunteers have helped to introduce the sport of ice hockey to many young girls and women.
Please consider making a donation to help pay for our Sunday ice time which costs $195/hr each week from October to March.
Thank you for helping make this great program available to the girls of the Northeast Kingdom area.” Funds will be used to pay for weekly ice time ($195 per week) and additional equipment required (e.g. in the past pinnies and neck guards).

The Vermont Children’s Theater (VCT)

The Vermont Children’s Theater (VCT) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that provides free summer theater programs for NEK-area youth aged 7–19. Every child or teen who auditions is included in one of three casts, which present their productions to the community during the month of July. Our goal is to provide a safe place for children and teens to stretch their creativity, build confidence, and foster friendships, while improving empathy, teamwork, literacy, communication, and problem solving. These skills not only contribute to the well-being of our young people now, but benefit them far into the future. In addition, we help support drama programs in local schools by lending them costumes, props, and set pieces. At VCT, we believe we are responsible for reaching out to youth and families who may not otherwise have access to the unique artistic and educational experiences theater provides. In order to offer this program free to all children and teens who participate, we rely on volunteers, sponsorships, grants (when available), and donations to bridge the gap that ticket, concession, and ad sales don’t cover. We will utilize Coins for Community funds to maintain our free programming for all NEK youth ages 7–19. Funds will specifically be used to help pay for scripts, production licenses/royalties, and stipends for our directors.

St. Johnsbury Kiwanis Club

St. Johnsbury Kiwanis Club is a local chapter of Kiwanis International, who’s focus is on improving the life of children. The Kiwanis Pool offers free swimming and swimming lessons to area children. Funds will be used to help cover the cost of lifeguards, pool chemicals, and maintenance for the coming summer.

The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging (NEKCOA)

The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging (NEKCOA) has been serving older adults and caregivers across Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties since 1979. Our mission is to provide the resources and support needed for older Vermonters to age well and remain independent. We offer a wide range of services, including home-delivered and congregate meals, case management, caregiver support, Medicare counseling, transportation assistance, fuel and utility aid, and more. Each week, we help over 800 older adults receive nutritious meals through our 13 senior meal sites. NEKCOA is committed to fostering independence, dignity, and connection for older Vermonters.

Funds raised through the Coins for Community program will provide essential support for older adults in the Northeast Kingdom, particularly as we face increasing uncertainty around federal funding. With potential changes in Washington, we do not yet know how state and federal support for aging services will be impacted. This donation is more important than ever to help bridge critical gaps in funding. Contributions will directly support nutritious meals, fuel and utility assistance, transportation for medical appointments and essential errands, and emergency aid for seniors in need. Last year, community generosity helped provide $30,000 in assistance for these vital services. With your support, we can continue ensuring that older Vermonters receive the resources they need to remain safe and independent in their homes.

The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium doors have been open since December 15, 1891. In 1889 Franklin Fairbanks established the museum as teaching facility bringing the world to St. Johnsbury, VT. The museum’s educational intent has not changed in the past 134 years and our staff continue to provide science education to surrounding schools and communities. Our mission is to inspire wonder, curiosity, and responsibility for the natural world.

We would like to use any funds raised to offer scholarships to local children to our camps. We offer many camps throughout the year, not only during the summer, but also during February and April school breaks. Many working parents rely on camps like ours for child care during these vacations, and not all can afford it. We would love to make these educational camp opportunities available to everyone.

The Lyndonville Youth Baseball and Softball (LYBS)

The Lyndonville Youth Baseball and Softball (LYBS) organization is a non-profit dedicated to providing children in Lyndonville and the surrounding towns with the opportunity to learn and play baseball and softball. LYBS focuses on fostering a fun, inclusive, and educational environment where young athletes can develop their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Through various programs and events, LYBS aims to enrich the lives of its participants while promoting a sense of community and active lifestyles. “The Lyndonville Youth Baseball and Softball (LYBS) is excited to participate in the Coins for Community initiative to ensure our beloved fields continue to be a vibrant hub for our community. As a non-profit organization dedicated to providing enriching baseball and softball experiences for children in Lyndonville and the surrounding towns, maintaining our fields is crucial to our mission.

Our community spends most of the spring and much of the summer enjoying this space, which has become a cherished gathering spot for families and friends. However, we are facing the need for a significant fencing upgrade and field maintenance, as advised by the field owner. These upgrades are necessary to ensure the safety and quality of our facilities, but they come with a price tag of several thousand dollars.

Participating in Coins for Community is a wonderful opportunity for LYBS to secure the necessary funds to keep our fields in excellent condition. By supporting us, you’re not just investing in infrastructure—you’re investing in the joy and development of our community’s youth. Your generous contributions will help us maintain a safe and welcoming environment where our kids can continue to learn, grow, and play the sports they love.

Join us in preserving the heart of our community. Every coin counts towards a brighter, more secure future for our young athletes. Thank you for your support!”

Neighbors in Action

Through our programs and initiatives at Neighbors in Action, we help ensure that food relief and social interactions have a more meaningful and enduring impact.

Since our inception in 2004, Neighbors in Action (formerly Faith in Action) has provided supplemental food support and socially enriching programs to encourage neighbor-to-neighbor connections and support.

With locations in two rural Vermont towns, Cabot and Lyndonville, Neighbors in Action is accessible to residents from a wide area, including Washington County and the Northeast Kingdom (Caledonia and Essex Counties).

We are writing to you today because our rural communities continue to face significant challenges with food insecurity. Rising food prices have led to an unprecedented increase in demand for our services, as outlined in our 2024 Annual Report.

2024 Broke the Record:
Since spring of 2024 Neighbors in Action has been providing over 1,000 boxes of food every month to families in need through our locations in Cabot and Lyndonville. This is a 25% increase in one year.

At every food share, we continue to grow. Over 80 new families signed up for our Food Share program in just the past two months. Many of them are large families who have never needed our help before now.

This increased demand means more volunteer resources are needed to procure and process food. Larger deliveries mean there is more to unload and re-package for distribution.

Thankfully, our teams of volunteers and small staff are more than happy to serve, meeting the challenges together with our funders and supporters throughout the year. Also, our food share coordinators are skilled at diversifying. They rely upon a network of partnerships with local businesses and farms to find the food we need to meet the need.” “Our team is able to make your donation multiply! Our programs run almost entirely upon volunteer labor and donated/reclaimed food. Therefore we are able to provide amazing services to our neighbors in need, supporting them socially and physically with minimal overhead expenses: The cash we are able to raise in donations covers our rent, utilities, trucking expenses, volunteer supplies and less than 2 FTE staff members.

$10 provides a box containing 3-days of food for a family.
Each box contains between $45 and $150 worth of food!

$20 provides a family with food boxes for a month.
Between $90 and $300 worth of food!

$240 provides a family with food share boxes for a year.

$500 pays our trucking expenses for a month.

$7,500 covers all of our overhead expenses for two weeks.

$15,000 keeps us in business for a month!

The Cobleigh Library Bookmobile

The Cobleigh Library Bookmobile serves Lyndon and the surrounding community. It delivers books, kits, storytimes and performances to local daycares such as Little Dippers, as well as schools including KESD and Riverside.

The funds will be used to provide operational support for the Bookmobile, to help keep it on the road and serving NEK kids and families.

Catamount Arts

For nearly 50 years, Catamount Arts has worked to make the arts a fundamental part of community life.

Since our humble beginnings as a traveling film presenter in 1975, Catamount Arts now offers foreign, independent, and classic films; exhibitions by local and regional artists; live music, dance, and theater performances; summer camps and arts education programming for children and adults; a regional box office for more than 40 organizations; a gathering space for community events; and much more!

We’re the proud producers of the KCP Presents Performing Arts Series, bringing world-class professional performances to Vermont’s rural Northeast Kingdom; First Night North, the only family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve performing arts festival in northern New England; the EPIC Music Program, an afterschool program for ensemble instruction in strings (violin, viola, cello), modeled on the global El Sistema movement of social change through music education; and the Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series, which presents a broad array of music genres and cultural programming at Dog Mountain and in Downtown St. Johnsbury each summer since 2017!

Our team also works with local communities to support their local creative economies including outdoor movies, street festivals, gazebo shows, and hundreds of concerts on our mobile stages — over 45,000 attendees generating over $3 million of economic impact last year alone!

Our mission is to inspire appreciation of and participation in the Arts, promote the Arts throughout the region, and cultivate the Arts as an integral part of community life. Our vision is to serve as the Community Arts Organization and Box Office for the region, acting as an essential force for the Arts and enhancing the cultural climate of communities throughout Northeastern Vermont and Northwestern New Hampshire.” “The funds received from the Coins for Community Round Up Program will support our Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series at Dog Mountain. This free series, which features 11 free concerts during the summer months, began in the summer of 2017 and has experienced strong community support and attendance every year since. In 2020, we introduced downtown programming which has now become St. J Final Fridays. These free events include a concert on our mobile stage along with a street fair featuring arts, activities, and food.

In the summer of 2025, community members can look forward to attending 3 St. J Final Friday events in downtown St. Johnsbury, as well as 8 concerts at Dog Mountain, featuring national and global artists across all genres on late Sunday afternoons.

St. Johnsbury Meals on Wheels

We are the St. Johnsbury Meals on Wheels Program. This program delivers meals and does wellness checks for those who are unable to leave their home. Hot meals are delivered on Monday through Friday and, when needed, on weekends. WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN A MEAL. We cover the towns of St. Johnsbury, East St. Johnsbury, Passumpsic, Waterford, and Danville. Our meals are prepared daily using local foods. Our kitchen is at the St. Johnsbury House. We only have 4 staff members and 13 volunteers who ensure our meals are prepared, cooked, and delivered on time every day we serve them. Our meals meet the nutritional standards and guidelines of the Older Americans Act as well as individual dietary needs such as gluten free, diabetic, and individual medical needs. Each meal costs us $8.25 with an average donation of less than $.75 cents per meal. In 2024 we served 27,725 meals. Funds will be applied directly to the food budget.

Burke Senior Meal Site

Burke Senior Meal Site is in West Burke VT, we are a non-profit organization that serves hot meals to homebound (elderly/sick )and may be low income or fixed incomes, in our rural communities- East Burke, Newark, Sutton and West Burke. Burke Senior Meal Site also offers in house dining Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Our menu is based on free or donated foods ,and what the senior center can buy cheaply from fundraising.
We are only able to offer these meals because of community generous donations and fundraising. Burke Senior Meal Site is in great need financially as the demographics/costs are changing at a rapid rate.
We Use all donations for supplies and food we do not get from the Vermont Food Bank and Food Drops in the area to make ends meet.
Burke Senior Meal Site has been under great strain due to the rising costs as so many are . We have been blessed to have such great community partners like Whites Market to give back to programs like Burke Senior Meal Site. We appreciate all you do for the Community.” “Food -Of all Kinds ,
Kitchen Supplies, packaging ,containers
& Meals on Wheels Containers and sealant film( $230 +per case).
Repairs

We are in need of a new Refrigerator or New to us.

Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary

“Since 2003 “”Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary””has provided safe sanctuary for horses and large farm animals, such as goats, sheep, cows and donkeys. These animals are owner surrendered or most often, rescued from situations of neglect or abuse.
Many come to us from high risk situations or from a dark past, and are in need a great deal of physical, emotional and psychological healing.
We focus on taking in the animals that are not commonly considered adoptable, due to physical or psychological trauma, age, and more, with our priority being to assist owners and animals in our local community.
Our commitment is to provide quality care, rehabilitation as needed, a great deal of compassion and understanding; as is the essence of “”sanctuary””.

Our secondary mission is to promote ethical treatment of all animals through educational tours, workshops, sharing of knowledge on social media, and leading by example; especially for our younger generation.
We believe that when we learn to approach animals with compassion, understanding and patience, we come to learn to do so in respect to our fellow human beings as well.

In banding together in a multitude of ways and showing up for others, we may make a positive impact on the world around us.” “Funds generated would go towards supporting the rehabilitation and management of costs of our sanctuaried residents. They would provide essential feed, supplements, medications, and managerial supplies, such as bedding and barn equipment. This also includes veterinary, dental and hoof care expenses, all of which are professional services that we are dedicated to providing our residents with on a regular basis to ensure their wellbeing. These are all necessities that most of our residents have been deprived of in their previous lives, and we now put them at high regard of providing.

These funds would also additionally assist us in supplies to host educational opportunities for the public, and other public outreach opportunities to spread our message of humane treatment of animals.”

Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS)

Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS) is the Adult Education and Literacy provider in the Northeast Kingdom with centers in Newport, St. Johnsbury, Hardwick, Island Pond, and Canaan. As a nonprofit educational organization, NEKLS offers free services to help Vermont adults with basic skill development, workforce training, GED preparation, and earning their high school diplomas. NEKLS also offers tutorial services in all of our learning centers as well as operating the Ready, Set, Grow Child Care Center in Newport. “Workforce Development / IET
Funds raised through the White’s Market Coins for Community program will be earmarked to support workforce training designed to help Vermonters become entry level qualified for in-demand jobs in the NEK, including, but not limited to, careers in early childhood education, paraeducator positions, and health care. These Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs are open to Vermont residents in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, and completion of these programs leads to direct access to jobs with area employers.”

NEK Gravel

NEK Gravel maps gravel biking routes throughout the Northeast Kingdom to encourage visitors and community members to enjoy over 1,000 gravel roads in the NEK. We focus on rides that incorporate village centers to promote businesses that serve gravel riders. The website can be found at https://www.nekgravel.org/.

The funds will be used to support the website and map out additional gravel rides. 100% of the funds will go to advance the gravel rides project all occurring through volunteer efforts with no funds paying for any administrative work.

The West Burke Methodist Community Church

The West Burke Methodist Community Church is a small church trying to rebuild our membership. We have increased from 4 or 5 to close to 21 so far with in the past year. We are reaching out to area communities to help people in need. We offer the 1st Friday of each month from Sept through May a supper by donation so that anyone can attend. We are growing each month and the church is in need of quite a few repairs.

The church needs to be painted, there are exterior doors that need to be replaced we would like to install a lift to access all floors. The kitchen needs updating and some interior painting. Obviously, we cannot meet all of these goals .

RCT

” RCT is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching lives and enhancing the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the communities we serve. We provide fare free and accessible transportation services across Caledonia, Essex, Orleans, and Lamoille Counties, and strive to eliminate barriers to essential services, amenities, and opportunities—key elements that foster health, connection, and vitality within our region

OUR MISSION
Improving the lives and communities we serve.

OUR VISION
Connecting and enhancing rural Vermont through innovative transportation solutions.

OUR VALUES
COMPASSIONATE: We deliver services with empathy, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, ensuring every interaction is grounded in respect and non-judgment.

SUPPORTIVE: We cultivate a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment, encouraging and uplifting one another as we pursue our shared mission.

RESOURCEFUL: With open minds and a proactive spirit, we approach challenges as opportunities, seeking creative and practical solutions to adapt and thrive in times of change.

Together, we’re building stronger communities and a brighter future for rural Vermont.” RCT’s goal is to give as many fare free rides as possible so we can meet the needs of our community and support its health and vitality. There are many people in our rural communities who do not have access to their own transportation, but need to access services such as healthcare or groceries or even just connecting with friends for mental health. But each ride has a cost associated. We need to pay for gas, for the driver, for the vehicle and repairs! As an organization, one of our values is resourcefulness. We are always looking for creative ways to keep the wheels on the road and the rides going. This is one of those ways. Each dollar we raise goes to giving another ride.

Friends of the Cobleigh Library

Friends of the Cobleigh Library is a non-profit organization that helps support the Library with funding for the bookmobile and and various community projects. The Friends of the Cobleigh library raise money for repairs and maintenance for the bookmobile and various community projects and programs.

NEK Toys For Tots

The NEK Toys For Tots provides toys for local families in need at Christmas. The toys are distributed through community partner schools and agencies to ensure that the toy matches the child’s interests. In 2024, we distributed over 1,600 toys, books, and stocking stuffers to over 609 children in the Northeast Kingdom. 100% of the funds will be used to purchase toys for distribution.

The Lyndon Outing Club

The Lyndon Outing Club provides low and no cost skiing and riding during the winter months when the weather cooperates. The hill is open for free use daily 365 days a year as a town park with hiking and biking trails to enjoy. Operating costs, maintenance and trail upgrades.

For the love of dogs Vermont

For the love of dogs Vermont is a foster based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization run by all volunteers. We are a group of like mined animal advocates who have become the voice for homeless and abandoned dogs. We rescue dogs from the south and find fosters or adopters here in Vermont! Last year we placed over 800 dogs in Vermont!!

Funds are used to make sure the dogs we rescue are up to date on vaccinations and most spayed or neutered as well as food and supplies for anyone fostering.

Umbrella

“Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate a Northeast Kingdom where all people thrive free from abuse and oppression. We believe that oppression and the systemic abuse of power is at the root of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, teen dating violence, human trafficking, as well as violence related to gender or sexual orientation – which in total we characterize as gender based violence. We seek to embody a world where those who have been disempowered by poverty, discrimination and other obstacles are able to live peaceful, self-directed lives.

Our organization addresses a broad range of issues impacting women and families, including violence against women, early care and education for children, and gender equity. We do this through our Social Change programs, our Advocacy programs, and our Family Based Service programs.

Umbrella’s programs seek to enhance the lives of everyone in our community by promoting safety, respect, and development and education throughout the lifespan. From improving access to quality early child care and education to providing advocacy, emergency shelter, crisis services, and community education to those affected by domestic and sexual violence and stalking.” The funds would help Umbrella elevate our programs and support our efforts in providing valuable resources, supportive vocational training and emergency crisis services to those affected by domestic and sexual violence and stalking. These funds will strengthen our efforts to end violence and help those impacted in our community.

NEKCAN

We provide grant assistance to those our community battling cancer. Recipients receive a $250 grant for 6 months upon acceptance. Grant assistance for people actively battling a cancer diagnosis.

Northeast Kingdom Youth Services

NEKYS delivers Youth programs in the Northeast Kingdom in Vermont. These distinct programs work together to form a support network for our most vulnerable youth and families, ensuring they have access to services that meet their unique needs.
NEKYS Youth Programs provide:

• Support to youth 12-22 who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, have current or past involvement with foster care, have mental health issues, substance misuse or legal issues, are pregnant and/or parenting.
• Support to youth 16-24 who are stably housed, but have mental health issues, substance misuse or legal issues, are pregnant and/or parenting.
• Access to short-term and long-term housing.
• Opportunities to connect with supportive adults in a safe, supportive environment.
• Guidance to support healthy choices and connections with peers for opportunities to “”give back”” through community service.
• 24/7 staff to respond to youth/families in crisis.

The funds will go towards general operating support of Northeast Kingdom Youth Services to help young people and their families in Caledonia and Southern Essex Counties

The Lyndon Area Mealsite and Meals on Wheels

The Lyndon Area Mealsite and Meals on Wheels provides nutritious hot meals to homebound residents of Lyndonville and surrounding towns. Meals are delivered by a dedicated team of volunteer drivers. In addition, we serve meals to the community in the historic Darling Inn dining room in an inviting social setting. We also periodically provide entertainment and guest speakers of interest to the community. All funds raised by donation are designated for direct client services, including food, packaging, the preparation of meals and other expenses related to the program.

Catamount Community Hours ….the CatCH program!

CatCH offers free afterschool and summer programs for St. Johnsbury youth (grades 1-8) and families. Afterschool sessions run 12 weeks and are offered every Fall, Winter and Spring. The summer session runs for 5 weeks and is a full day program.

Headquartered at St. Johnsbury School, our programs are open to all St. Johnsbury students in these grades, including those who attend independent schools or who are home-schooled.

Our instructors and staff come from the school, from surrounding communities, and from institutions in our town (e.g., the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium and Catamount Arts) and beyond (e.g., NorthWoods Stewardship Center).

Financial support comes from federal investments and from generous local sponsors. The funds would be supplemental to help sustain our current afterschool and summer program. Specifically, the funds would be allocated toward staff salaries, field trips, program supplies and registration fees for group competitions such as Jr Iron Chef, MathCounts and Robotics. Program operating costs are significant, roughly $75,000 per a 12 week session, so CatCH relies heavily on donations and sponsorships. We would be so grateful for the community support!!!

RuralEdge

RuralEdge is a non-profit housing community development organization dedicated to strengthening NEK communities in Vermont. We focus on providing quality, affordable housing options and support services to residents of modest means across the region. We also run a food pantry called Neighbors Helping Neighbors, in St. Johnsbury at 105 Mountain View Drive. The pantry is open the 4th Thursday of each month from 1 – 5.

We are committed to using donated funds efficiently and transparently to support our food pantry, ensuring that individuals and families in need have access to nutritious food. We would be using 100% of the funds to purchase food from the Vermont food bank. Your support would allow us to keep our shelves stocked and serve our community who struggle with food insecurity. Every dollar makes a difference in the fight against hunger!

Locally Social Gives

We are a local nonprofit that helps local community members in times of crisis. Typically in amounts of up to $500. Heat/rent/food/clothes/car repairs are the typical types of applications for people we receive.

The Vermont Police Canine Association

The Vermont Police Canine Association is a tax-exempt/non-profit corporation that is dedicated to providing financial assistance and training to Police Service Dog Teams in Vermont. Support K9 Boone, of the VT Department of Fish & Wildlife. K9 Boone is a two-year old black lab who is certified in detecting gunpowder and firearms used in crimes, and tracking suspects or lost persons. Boone is only one of four certified gun dogs in the state. K9 Boone services the Northeast corner of VT and is based out of Lyndonville.

Shares Corporation

Shares Corporation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves folks with food insecurity, as well as the homeless population in the St. Johnsbury and Lyndon area. We are a partner of the Vermont Food Bank, and we distributed over 11,000 pounds of food to those in need in 2024. We realize in these tough times that families are having a difficult time providing a basic need such as heathy food items. We also use our funding to purchase local farm items like eggs, beef, chicken and maple syrup. We believe that assisting local farmers (our neighbors) is key to making sure our clients are able to make healthy food a priority. We have been located on Depot St. in Lyndonville for the past 3 years but have recently moved to St. Johnsbury when our lease wasn’t renewed this year. We serve all that require our assistance with dignity and respect. Being a 501c3 means that in order to assist those in need we need to raise funds by donations and programs like this as well as fundraising and grants. Unfortunately, grants are becoming harder to find since the end of Covid 19. The money from this program would allow us to purchase more food and expand services to those in need in the St. Johnsbury and Lyndon areas as well as those in the NEK.

The Good Living Senior Center

The Good Living Senior Center is a 501C3 non-profit that provides programs and socialization for NEK senior citizens from our location inside the beautiful St. Johnsbury House on Main St. in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. We offer programs geared to seniors such as Golden Ball Tia Chi, arthritis prevention classes, musical entertainment, game night and bingo on Mondays, just to name a few. We also realize that socialization is a key for senior citizens, and just being able to have a location for these folks to meet and talk over a cup of coffee is so important to so many who may not have local family members.

Funding would allow us to continue to run our programs, as well as allow us to provide bus trips for local seniors to places like the Vermont flower dhow, musical plays and shows at local playhouses, as well as boat trips on our beautiful local lakes. Being a 501C3 nonprofit means our funding mainly comes from donations and fundraising.

Green Mountain Farm-to-School

“Based in Newport, VT, Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) works to strengthen Vermont’s local food systems by connecting farms, schools, and communities. The nonprofit accomplishes this through three areas of program delivery: farm-to-school, food hub, and food access programming.

Their Farm-to-School program works with 17 Northeast Kingdom schools to teach over 2,000 K-8 students about food through hands-on gardening and cooking workshops and farm field trips. Their food hub, Green Mountain Farm Direct, distributes local food from 50 farms/food producers to 200 Vermont businesses, schools, food shelves, and other institutions throughout the state. Their food access programs promote food security and enhance nutrition, distributing thousands of prepared meals and hundreds of pounds of fresh, whole foods to children, families, and seniors facing food insecurity in the Northeast Kingdom each year.

Together, these programs are making a difference in the lives of thousands of Northeast Kingdom residents – improving nutrition, fighting hunger, and boosting the region’s economy.” Funding from Coins for Community would support Green Mountain Farm-to-School’s work to increase access to healthy local foods and support farmers in the Northeast Kingdom. Their food hub program works with 38 Northeast Kingdom schools to facilitate the sale of locally-sourced, whole foods for school meals. This program also provides technical assistance and marketing support to 27 Northeast Kingdom farms/food producers. Each summer, The Lunchbox summer meal program serves around 4,000 free meals to kids coming from 13+ Northeast Kingdom towns. During the school year, GMFTS partners with HOPE Lyndonville and NEKCA and contributes nutritious local foods to fill holiday food boxes and school backpacks to address food insecurity over holiday breaks, distributing approximately 253 pounds of food so far in the 24/25 school year.

The Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen

The Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen serves our community by providing hot meals every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. We are often open at other times throughout the week for coffee, a sandwich and to be a safe, warm place to sit and talk with our volunteers. Food insecurity is a terrible problem in our community, but the Mustard Seed is diligently working to help.

Due to soaring food costs, the Mustard Seed is in need of funds to purchase the ingredients of the food we provide. We also desperately need to upgrade many aspects of our building, including a new oven and energy efficient refrigerators and freezers. Funds are needed to cover the rent, electric, and heat costs, as well.