‘Tis the Season of Giving: Support the Important Work of Local Non-Profits
December 7, 2020 by GO STOWE
This year, more than ever, supporting those in need is even more critical. There are several non-profit organizations in the Stowe area that are making a direct impact on the well-being of our friends, neighbors and community. Even though Giving Tuesday is behind us and is just one day dedicated to giving back, there’s always an opportunity to make a difference any time of the year, in any way you can—whether that’s donating items, money or your time through volunteering. Get to know a few Stowe-area non-profits that continue to do amazing work as well as some that make it possible for visitors and locals alike to experience the best our region has to offer, and consider making a difference—however you can!
Green Mountain Club
The history of the Green Mountain Club is the history of the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States that stretches 272 miles between Vermont’s northern and southern borders, built by GMC between 1910 and 1930. The mission of this organization is to make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont’s hiking trails and mountains.
Helen Day Art Center
While this art center presents a year-round schedule of exhibitions and education programs including classes, workshops and special events for children and adults, it believes art is change and hope, and strives to make a difference in the lives of both children and artists. One of its core goals and impacts is to ensure accessibility to quality arts experiences and educational opportunities for underserved and disadvantaged rural communities.
Lamoille Housing Partnership
This local non-profit develops, rehabilitates and maintains safe, decent, affordable housing through rental, home ownership or other means to low and moderate income earning persons and families living in Lamoille County and the Town of Hardwick. LHP provides assistance without discrimination or prejudice using both private and public funding partnerships, and believes all individuals regardless of income deserve the opportunity to lead thriving, healthy, dignified lives. Its mission reduces barriers to housing and closes the housing opportunity gap in the Lamoille Valley.
North Country Animal League
Since 1994, this non-profit has contributed to a more humane community for all beings and saved more than 14,000 lives through its programs. NCAL’s mission is to promote compassionate and responsible relationships between humans and animals through adoptions, education and outreach, spay and neuter programs, support of cruelty prevention and sheltering of homeless animals.
Stowe Land Trust
Much of the land we recreate on here in Stowe is made possible in large part to the Stowe Land Trust. From Wiessner Woods to Kirchner Woods, this member-supported land conservation organization is dedicated to the conservation of scenic, recreational, and productive farm and forest lands for the benefit of the greater Stowe community. Since the late 1980s, it has helped to protect and care for more than 4,300 acres of land.
Stowe Trails Partnership
This non-profit manages more than 30 miles of trails in Stowe—one of the most extensive networks in the Northeast. These trails are open to the public for mountain biking, hiking, walking, etc. and are accessible from many different points in town. Although there is not a required fee to access the trails, membership is encouraged to help maintain and sustain this valuable resource, with the majority of the work done by local volunteers, for all of us to enjoy.
Stowe Vibrancy
Several events you may experience in Stowe throughout the year are organized by Stowe Vibrancy, including A Traditional Christmas in Stowe, An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July, the Main Street Live Series, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rocks, Gardens of Stowe, the British Invasion Block Party and many others. This non-profit celebrates more than 10 years of bringing vibrancy to the Town of Stowe by enhancing the social, recreational, cultural, artistic, economic and physical characteristics of the historic downtown Village of Stowe.
Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Enhancing Stowe’s vibrant arts community, this non-profit arts organization delivers engaging experiences for all ages through performing arts and educational and family programs and is dedicated to using the creativity of the performing arts to inspire, educate and entertain year-round. Its state-of-the-art multi-use theatre is a modern performance center based up at Spruce Peak.
United Way of Lamoille County
The United Way empowers Lamoille County residents to be self-sufficient through health, education, and financial stability, creating a stronger community. Its mission is to advocate for the health, education and financial stability of Lamoille County individuals and families. UWLC supports efforts in housing, addiction, transportation and life skills, and has programs that address community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
View all Stowe-area non-profits that are making a difference in our community and learn how you can get involved.