To the editor: Chester-Andover Family Center ready for spring

Have you been to the Chester-Andover Family Center Thrift Shop lately? Despite the flurries falling from the sky, March’s lion is on its way out. So come on in and check out the beautiful array of spring and summer clothing, shoes, and accessories for the entire family.

Whether preparing for a new member of the family or considering collecting as a hobby, the Thrift Shop has a huge selection of children’s clothing, toys and an enormous display of beautiful dolls dressed in lovely gowns. We strive to make the search for household necessities as simple and convenient as possible. And you may find something you didn’t even know you needed.

The center extends its warmest thanks to the community for making the recent bake sale a huge success. An extra special thanks to Omar Austin for keeping the center’s parking lot cleared of snow during this especially long winter, Steve Copping for the electrical work in the Food Shelf and to Doris Jewett for installing new computer software. The center’s mission could not be fulfilled without community support.

When planning this year’s vegetable garden, we hope you keep us in mind. If you have the room and time, please add another row or plant or two and share your extra bounty with the center Food Shelf. Our volunteers are always looking for additional sources of fresh produce to distribute to grateful recipients.

No matter the time of year, the Food Shelf welcomes food and cash donations. Suggestions for donations include canned fruit, hearty, meaty soups, canned meat and sugar-free, low-sodium, low-fat, or gluten-free items. As the number of Food Shelf recipients continues to increase, please consider picking up additional food items when grocery shopping. By giving back to your community, you help an individuals and families make ends meet.

Thrift Shop hours are: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, 1 to 7 p.m., Friday , 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Food Shelf hours are 1 to 6 p.m. every Thursday; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for produce pickup.  The center is located at 908 VT Route 103 South in Chester. You can call 802-875-3236 or email at cafc302@gmail.com. You can also visit the  website at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org.

The Staff of Chester-Andover Family Center