Community organization For Bennington County residents in need of some sort of assistance during the pandemic, Helping Hands of Bennington County has been there to lend its support. The nonprofit organization and community Facebook page with more than 1,300 members is an incredible grassroots effort that has been helping community members in all sorts of ways since its inception nearly a year and a half ago. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the page grew even more as so many community members found themselves in need in one way or another. The group focuses a lot on food insecurity, delivering up to 65 boxes of food at a time through the farmers to families program. The outreach of the community-based organization extends well beyond that one area, though. Through donations and community members volunteering their time, Helping Hands distributed 125
blankets and blessing bags to those As the pandemic continues on, Helping Hands has played a cruin need during the early stages of the Frey-Zupko wants everyone to look cial role in keeping people safe and pandemic. out for one another. healthy. Whether it’s putting food on “It’s just as a way to kind of help “What I’d like to see is every neigh- the table for families or keeping peopeople avoid the judgment, the shame bor helping another neighbor,” she ple warm, the work the communityof asking for help,” said executive said. “Whether it’s through us or based group has achieved cannot be director Amy Frey-Zupko. “As the through each other.” overstated. needs change through the pandemic, Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been able to step in either as admins and “Helping Hands of Bennington County is a Facebook group. Amy set it up, founders, or as volunteers to kind and with her crew she manages to provide whatever is needed - or others of help everybody. on the Facebook page help people in need. It is an incredible grass roots People come to us effort for neighbors to help for a variety of one another.Check it out! reasons.” It is a great community Sometimes, it can be as simple resource.” as a person mov— From the nomination put ing to a new apartforth by Mary McGuinness ment and needing help finding a bed. “For all their support during No issues are too big or too small for the pandemic and to all the the group, which volunteers we thank you.” has roughly 10 — From the nomination volunteers at the put forth by Carla Toner moment. Frey-Zepka said the group has seen a large uptick in posts and requests PROVIDED IMAGE for help since the pandemic began.
removal, tree bracing and cabling, pruning, stumpgrinding, landclearing and tree planting services, they offer root collar excavations, deep root fertilization and root system invigoration services to landowners interested in the proper care of their landscape investments. They also offer crane services for both residential and commercial applications. Greater Heights Tree and Land Management is the place to call for free tree hazard assessments and expert, knowledgeable advice on your treescape needs or concerns. For more information please visit www.greaterheightstree.com.
Thank you to all the frontline workers! We appreciate you! 802-823-5673
David Dence Jr. • Michael D’Agata
And we thought our job was dangerous!
www.GreaterHeightsTree.com Fully insured and Licensed SERVING MA & & NY NY FOR FOR 17 18 YEARS YEARS SERVING VT, VT, MA
The Bennington Banner | BenningtonBanner.com
In 2003, two college graduates to start their MANAGEMENT own Tree SerTREE AND LAND MANAGEMENT INC. decided TREE AND LAND INC. vice/Land Management Company. Both trained arborists, David Dence Jr.and Michael D’Agata followed their passions and Greater Heights Tree and Land Management was born. Operating on the principle that a customer’s 100% satisfaction is most important, they have grown into Southern Vermont’s most experienced, reputable tree service and land management company. As a local company, Dave and Mike are committed to the proper care and management of our area’s trees. In addition to safe tree
Unsung Heroes | Saturday, June 12, 2021
HELPING HANDS OF BENNINGTON COUNTY
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