On August 10, 2016

Rutland Welcomes plans donation drive for refugees

RUTLAND—Rutland Welcomes, a group of citizens working to create a warm, safe, inviting atmosphere for potential refugees, recently announced that it will host a donation drive next Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rutland United Methodist Church. The organization is now seeking donations from the community, specifically, household items in good, clean, working condition.
Marsha Cassel, one of the Rutland Welcomes volunteers coordinating the drive, said most refugees left virtually everything behind as they fled their homes, so donations will help outfit apartments just before each family arrives.
“We are seeking household items any family would need when moving into a new apartment–with the exception of mattresses, pillows and box springs,” Cassel said. Clothing, with the exception of winter clothing, is not being collected. “We are seeking winter coats, jackets, hats, mittens, gloves and boots of all size, for children and adults,” Cassel said.  “Because they would represent the vast majority, women’s and children’s items are especially needed,”she said.
All donations are tax deductible through collaboration with the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Project. Receipts will be available.
“People throughout the region have been asking how they can help for months,” Cassel said. “This is an opportunity to make a contribution to help welcome our new neighbors and ease their transition.”
The U.S. State Department is expected to decide within weeks whether Rutland will become a host site for resettlement. If approved, the first refugees would likely arrive in late fall. If Rutland were not selected, all donated items would be provided to other host communities.
Rutland Welcomes includes nearly 20 committees, which are focused on everything from assisting with health care and teaching English to mentorship and introductions into the greater Rutland community.
“It’s hard to imagine the fear and turmoil people have faced, but it’s easy to imagine ways to help them,” volunteer Hunter Berryhill said. “We expect the donation drive will be the first of many opportunities to help, while building and strengthening community bonds.”
To learn more about Rutland Welcomes or how to donate household goods, visit rutlandwelcomes.org.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…