To the editor: BRGNS thanks all for support during food drive

Miss Vermont Teen USA, Madison Cota of Bellows Falls,  is flanked by Okemo Mountain Ambassadors Paul Sullivan, left, and Robert Kischko as they collect food from skiers as part of the Okemo Cares and Shares spring food drive. Photo provided.

The volunteers, employees and clients of Black River Good Neighbor Services in Ludlow extend their sincere thanks to the staff and skiers at Okemo Mountain Resort for their efforts on the annual Cares and Shares spring food drive.  Special thanks go to the Okemo Mountain Ambassadors and to Madison Cota, Miss Vermont Teen USA, who endured the cold rain last Sunday to collect nonperishable food items and cash in return for discounted lift tickets.

“We look forward to the spring Okemo food drive each year,” said Audrey Bridge, executive director at BRGNS.  “It helps us to fill our food shelves for the coming spring and summer months.  Hunger knows no season, and it is a big assist to have a partner like Okemo.”

Twice each ski season Okemo holds this food drive, which gives skiers a significant discount on their day of skiing in return for a few cans, jars or boxes of food.  The next such day will be held at the beginning of the 2014-15 ski season and will be announced on Okemo Mountain’s website.

Black River Good Neighbor Services operates the food shelf year round for residents of Ludlow, Cavendish, Plymouth and Mount Holly.  It also operates a thrift store to defray the cost of the food shelf and other assistance programs.  For more information on BRGNS or to donate or volunteer, please call 802-228-3663.

Peter J. LaBelle
Board president
Black River Good Neighbor Services