Rural Vermont is in crisis. Local charities are trying all they can to help people in need, but the number of struggling people is growing, and the number of sponsors is dwindling. Right now is a perfect time for people to donate to local charities – after all, it is the time of giving. 

Ryegate Santa is a local charity that gives presents to children in need around Wells River. Their goal is to ensure that everyone receives a present during the holiday season. This year, Ryegate Santa is also struggling! As the charity gains more attention, more people sign up for assistance. While Ryegate Santa is helping as much as it can, they are in desperate need of more sponsors since they are at capacity. Any financial support, no matter how small, is most appreciated. Contact Marie Winchester if you’d like to help.

The Ryegate Santa is not the only charity around that you can donate to in order to help people through this holiday season. One of the other local charities is the PJ Tree right here in the senior lounge at BMU.  This tree, which is sponsored by Student Council, helps local families in need by providing warm PJs to children ages 0-18. Please talk to Michelle Kalnins to find ways to help support the P.J. Tree.

Another local charity that helps kids year-round and really shines during the holiday season is the Jazzy’s Children’s Fund. Right now, they are running a pop-up shop in Woodsville filled with handmade gifts. The Jazzy’s Children Fund is a non-profit organization that gets money from donations and fundraisers to help children with life-threatening conditions in New Hampshire and Vermont. Please consider purchasing your holiday gifts at the Jazzy Shop! The shop is open 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-3. It closes on December 28th. 

This holiday season, consider donating to help these local charities.