I live in southern Vermont and my jobs keep me on the roads here a lot! I have seen so much of the devistation in communities large and small, from Brattleboro and Killington to Londonderry, Jamaica, Townshend, and Saxtons River (to name a few). People have lost homes, farms, land, roads, bridges and driveways, and in some cases lives. Donations of all types are AWESOME, but what a lot of people really need right now is money. Single farms lost $100,000 in crops and had land and soil washed away so that future planting may not be an option. Over 300 Vermont homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Families are paying mortgages on non-existing homes, renting places until they have a place to live, preparing for winter a few short months away. It's difficult to know where to donate as individuals and how. Foodbanks are important, clothes and supplies too, but nothing works like the almighty dollar. I just thank everyone and every event that can and are helping. Keep up the good fight! I am VT strong!
If anyone is sticking around for the weekend The Running Bear Camping Area in Ascutney, Vermont has a great local festival - $5 gets you in.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=118077128293379 /> "On Saturday, Sept 17, 2011 there will be an all day FAMILY FRIENDLY event at RBCA. All proceeds for the event will be given to theAmerican Red Cross Vermont & The New Hampshire Valley. Locals bands will be playing through out the day, Second Wind, Generations Collide, Shana Stack Band, Wise Guys, 5X Wicked, RoadHouse, Please Don't Tell, Pulse, Spectris and No Smoking. There will be food sales, a chinese auction, raffles, horseshoe tournament, t-shirt sales, childrens activities, etc. $5.00 entry fee for adults children under 12 FREE."