Winter Outerwear ($150)

Winter Coat, Boots, Warm Socks, Mittens, Snow Pants, Hat

Children deserve to have the most essential clothing to be safe and warm through long Vermont winters. Sneakers that fit bring joy and help children to live their best childhood and focus on learning.

“This program means students have access to warm clothes in our cold Vermont weather and able to continue enjoying what opportunities Vermont has to offer for outdoor activities.”

“Many of our students would go without winter clothes if it weren't for this incredibly generous program. We have families who rely on this program and students who would be  cold without it.”

“"The Head-To-Toe program has helped a number of our students and their families during an extremely vulnerable times. This program allows our families to allocate their finances to put food on the table. The gratitude expressed by our families is immeasurable."

School Supplies & Dental Kits ($60)

Each year, children are given a list of required supplies for the school year. Low-income families spend approximately $280-$500 per child. For many, school supplies do not rise to the top of survival needs, and children must go without resources they need to learn.

Tooth pain and poor oral hygiene is among the main reasons why a child cannot concentrate
or is absent from school.

Schools are also provided with ‘Moving Mountains’ funds so that they can respond immediately to a child in crisis. Funds are used to purchase hygiene products, gas or groceries, or detergent to launder a child’s bedding.

“This program means having access to dental supplies that they would not have otherwise.”

“Thank you for the great backpack. You are so kind. I had no backpack.”

“I got my first new toothbrush at school from the Stratton Community Foundation.”

A Pair of Spring Sneakers ($40)

One of the most visible signs of poverty is a child’s shoes. No one likes being left out, mocked, or bullied. Our area witnesses up to 90% of children living at or below poverty. Children are wearing shoes that are sizes too big or too small. They are not wearing socks to extend the fit of their shoes with no soles. Shoes that fit allow kids to enjoy their childhood.

“When he received his new sneakers he literally cried and was incredibly happy. He wore his winter boots every single day (inside and out) until he received a new pair of sneakers. “I feel so lucky to have the Stratton Foundation,” he said.

“A student was refusing to go on our week long outdoor classroom trip because he did not have sneakers that fit, felt uncomfortable and ashamed. Luckily the timing was perfect and the Head to Toe sneakers arrived. He was so happy with his new sneakers and enjoyed the trip with his classmates.”