The Book Garden Flood Relief

On July 11, Montpelier, Vermont was inundated with water in what many are calling a "1,000-year flood." Downtown businesses and residents are suffering, but there is hope. We see it every day with the crews of volunteers clearing out basements, hauling out damaged inventory, and bringing water and food to people in need.

We are overwhelmed with the support we have received so far. Before the storm even hit local heroes helped us move inventory to higher ground. After the storm, we've been helped by countless folks who have volunteered to clean out our basement with us, help us save and organize our good inventory, demo and remove damaged property, and clean everything.

Seeing our little community come together like it always does in times of need has been uplifting.

We are coming to the point in our re-opening efforts where we need to start rebuilding. The Book Garden lost all of its bookshelves, much of its office equipment, and all used inventory (nearly 1,000 cubic feet of used books plus some board games and puzzles).

The Book Garden needs financial assistance. We (Brad & Becky) bought the store in January 2020 mere months before the Covid lockdown. We made it through the pandemic and were finally able to start hosting the gaming events that we had envisioned. All we have ever wanted is to build a place that can foster community, where people can feel safe and welcome. Your donations will help us reopen and start playing games together again.

Your donations will help us pay for:

1) Restorations on heirloom items that we are trying to save including Brad's grandfather's desk and our display case.

2) Purchasing nearly two dozen new replacement bookcases.

3) Purchasing new inventory to replace used inventory.

4) Replacing damaged office furniture and supplies.

5) Employee costs.

6) Cleanup costs.

7) Equipment costs. We had to purchase dehumidifiers to keep our salvageable inventory safe from humidity.

8) Business obligations such as rent, loan payments, and utilities.

Please also consider helping other businesses and individuals in Montpelier in any way you can.

To make donations to Montpelier Alive go to

https://www.montpelieralive.com/

and click the banner at the top.