Town Mobilizes for Warm Toes, Heads and Hands

by Helen Beattie, Community

Journalist

HARDWICK — The Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor group (HANtN), the Hardwick Area Food Pantry, and the Civic Standard are mobilizing, along with a number of local collection point partners, to make sure all heads, hands and feet stay warm this coming winter.

Some local knit creations are no doubt already underway, due to an earlier announced HANtN kick-off for the annual hat, scarf, mitten and sock drive. These items will be included in the Hardwick Area Food Pantry holiday boxes and distributed to area schools.

In addition to a goal of “100 Hats for Hardwick…and Beyond”, the focus is on increasing the sock inventory this year, targeting 300 adult and 100 youth pairs.

To supplement the efforts of local knitters, The Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor group has received word from Darn Tough Socks that their donation request was approved. The company will deliver 25 merino wool socks.

A grant from the “Warm Toes Fund” of the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe facilitated the purchase of 88 additional pairs of youth and adult socks for distribution this holiday. They were secured from the Bombas company, which donates one pair of socks to an individual who is homeless for every pair purchased.

Meanwhile, the Civic Standard hosted a knit-in on November 5, and has an upcoming knit-in scheduled for December 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Drop offs for all donated items will be at clearly identified boxes at the Jeudevine Library, Front Seat Coffee, Civic Standard, Buffalo Mountain Coop and Hardwick Area Food Pantry.

The Hardwick Area Food Pantry asks that donations be new hats, scarves, mittens or socks. All shapes, sizes and colors are welcome.