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The home for VPR's coverage of health and health industry issues affecting the state of Vermont.

From Diapers To Shampoo, Morristown Facility Fills Benefits Gap In Lamoille County

Sue Minter, left, and Eileen Nooney, center, welcome visitors to the grand opening of Capstone Community Action's Essentials Closet in Morristown.
Amy Kolb Noyes
/
VPR
Sue Minter, left, and Eileen Nooney, center, welcome visitors to the grand opening of Capstone Community Action's Essentials Closet in Morristown.

From diapers to toothpaste and household cleaners, there are many essential items that Vermont's low-income benefits programs don’t pay for. But now there’s a place in Morristown where Lamoille County residents can pick up what they need. Last Thursday, Capstone Community Action held a grand opening for what it’s calling the "Essentials Closet." It operates like a food shelf, but instead of food, items like shampoo, toilet paper, or even a mop bucket are on offer.

Capstone Community Action director Brian Tagliaferro  says the Essentials Closet fills a gap for people who need help making ends meet.

"Here's a space that folks can come and access toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning products – things, again, that you can’t get with your benefits," he said.

There are bins of personal care items for the taking at Capstone Community Action's Essentials Closet.
Credit Amy Kolb Noyes / VPR
/
VPR
There are bins of personal care items for the taking at Capstone Community Action's Essentials Closet.

"This Essentials Closet is really a new idea," added Executive Director Sue Minter. "We know there’s a gap for what people need for their daily living that they can’t always get with the services that they have."

The closet started with a donation of diapers and feminine hygiene products from Seventh Generation and cash donations from The Alchemist. Officials hope to keep the closet stocked year-round through additional community donations.

Amy is an award winning journalist who has worked in print and radio in Vermont since 1991. Her first job in professional radio was at WVMX in Stowe, where she worked as News Director and co-host of The Morning Show. She was a VPR contributor from 2006 to 2020.
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