On the morning of Jan. 15 the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department accompanied by surrounding fire departments responded to a devastating fire at the Gilmore Home Center. In addition to the loss of a business anchor, concern immediately presented as to addressing the loss of income of a number of Castleton and Bomoseen citizens and students employed there.
The Castleton VFD and Association mobilized and were joined by neighboring fire service members to produce a breakfast response from the community. The Castleton American Legion Post 50 hosted and a number of local businesses stepped up to support the efforts via direct monetary and food product donations to cap the heart-warming event. This was truly evidence of a town and its neighbors coming together for a hometown business.
Members of the CVFD presented a $17,095 donation to Mark Flynn, Gilmore’s business manager, on April 12 to offset any remaining employee needs. Gilmore’s plans to continue serving as a hardware store and philanthropic anchor to the Rutland County region.
