Winter weather has Front Porch Forum members showing their care for the homeless in our communities.
“I’d like to say Thank you to FPF for giving me a way to reach out to people to get rid of items they may not want anymore for the homeless. Each year I put out a post telling my story of our “boxes of love” and our winter clothing giveaway to the homeless. Ever since my post, I’ve been getting emails regularly and items dropped off at my house. The collection is growing and I’m so thankful that FPF has such amazing kind hearted folks.” • Tricia in Shelburne
“My family and I bring food to local homeless people every week and I’ve noticed that many of them do not have proper winter attire. I am planning to make “Homeless Care Packages” and I am hoping you will consider donating some items.” • Amber in Williston
“The 13th Annual Gifts of Kindness toy and clothing drive was created to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the holidays. We seek to collect new and gently used toys, clothing, outerwear, boots, hats, and mittens to make the holidays brighter and people warmer in our harsh winter months.” • Jennifer in Waitsfield
Front Porch Forum members share their love of their neighborhoods.
“Our neighborhood is the best! A very BIG THANK YOU to all who donated items to our Annual Food Drive to benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. We collected a total of 500 pounds of non-perishable items! You should be proud of that. Volunteers at the Food Shelf were asking what neighborhood contributed all this?” • Terri & Dave, Burlington
“We are very grateful for all of our Neighbors and our Lovely Community!!! • Rebecca in Shelburne
“Community is so important and tonite Kids, Parents, Neighbors all got together for yet another year to celebrate and have family/community fun. Thank you all for making my nite, for making my heart sing, for making my community.” • Holly & Bob, Monkton
“We just moved here, and could never have guessed at how wonderful and welcoming the people would be. You’ve made us feel like Vermont is our home, despite how short a time we’ve been here.”
• Myles in Morrisville
Organize your neighbors for good on FPF!
If you haven’t contributed to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign, now’s the time! We have less than half way to go to reach our $150,000 goal.
“I just donated to Front Porch Forum because it is amazing! I have given away, gotten for free, bought things I need at much less expense, sold things at great prices, kept up with the neighborhood news… the list is long. FPF is an excellent resource for the community!” • Sharon in Montpelier
“I read Front Porch Forum every day to find out what is happening in town – what animal is lost, what will be discussed at the next Selectboard meeting, what social events are happening for kids, families and seniors, and who is giving away something that you just cannot live without! My day is not complete without FPF, and my life is certainly easier because I can find so many things I need on FPF. Please help out if you can and support this service that helps our town stay more connected.” • Marie in Richmond
We’re very thankful for the nice notes we’ve been receiving in the mail along with checks from FPF Supporting Members.
“My husband and I are new to Front Porch Forum and totally enjoy receiving our updates every day. It really makes us feel connected to our lovely community.” • Bernadette in Charlotte
“Thanks to Front Porch Forum rural life is so much easier. It’s all about the community connections, and FPF is the place to start, no matter what you are trying to find, fix, or do.” • Nancy in Tunbridge
“Thank you for such a great means to stay connected to our community. As seniors, we do use FPF to get household and garden help!” • Bill and Anastasia in Middlesex
“Have sold things, given things away, have gotten help finding local services – wonderful way to connect with my local community.” • Janice in Shaftsbury
Help us reach our ambitious fundraising goal and contribute to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign today to keep this important free service coming to your community.
“I made my donation this morning. Join me? In a world where so many things are unpredictable I appreciate seeing FPF in my inbox each night. This service keeps us informed about community events and issues important to us and that directly affect our lives. I spend so much of my day rushing around and navigating the wider world ““ it’s nice to come home and catch up on local happenings. I hope you feel the same way.” • Roni in East Calais
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and difficult to explain, the best thing we can do is come together. Front Porch Forum is here to make stronger communities more achievable. Help us reach our goal and make a contribution by becoming a supporting member today.
Front Porch Forum members help their local food shelf by sharing the abundance in their gardens.
“Last year my garden produced an abundance of cucumbers, so I brought them to the food shelf. They were delighted every time they saw me coming with another donation so this year I planted a little extra of everything so I can share again.” • Barry in Morrisville
“Bravo to Marcia for sharing her exquisite dahlia bulbs and asking us lucky recipients to donate to the food shelf. Giving so others can enjoy these gorgeous flowers and only asking to help feed the needy in return. An amazing neighbor and example to follow.”
• Abi in Morrisville
Have tips to share on helping others in your town? Post it on FPF!
“While planning and planting your vegetable gardens this spring, I ask that you consider planting a bit extra that I can pick up and deliver to a local charitable organization. I will be bringing the donated produce to Meals on Wheels. If we have a surplus, I will bring it to a local food shelf.” • Laura in Essex
“Most of us Vermonters care about local farms and the working landscape. I’m making a pledge to get out and buy direct from family farms as often as I can. Are other Front Porch Forum members willing to commit to deepen your support for our local farms this season?” • Paul in Montpelier
“If you’re a gardener, this is your time. Consider sharing that camaraderie with Operation Bloom, a home-grown volunteer group that has been beautifying Winooski for over 20 years. We are a small, dedicated cadre of enthusiasts who plant and landscape around the city.” • Janet in Winooski
Have an idea to help support your community? Get organized with FPF!
It takes a community to raise a child, as noted on Front Porch Forum this week.
Posted on Wednesday:
“Hello Neighbors, I’m working with children in Lamoille County who would love any toys (or books) your children have outgrown. I’m happy to pick up and distribute them. They will be well loved and played with often, so if your toys are ready for a new home, please contact me.”
And days later….
“Thank you to everyone who responded to my posting. I was able to fill my truck up with all the donated goods left on my porch. I will be delivering and distributing it all this week and will let the kids know it’s all from Stowe’s generous community!” • Leah in Stowe
Have items in your home no longer in use? Could a neighbor use them? Post it on FPF!
Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more