Mettawee Community School

It’s time to check and clean out your closets. The annual Share the Warmth clothing drive and giveaway at the Mettawee School takes place on Friday, October 25th through Sunday, October 27th.

West Pawlet’s Brooke Burnham, a former paraeducator at the school,  has directed this program since its inception in 2008. "Share the Warmth is in honor of my mother who taught me the importance of giving back to my community,” says Burnham. “I’m so proud to have the opportunity to follow her lead.”

Share the Warmth is a simple two-step process. First comes the clothing drive where people can contribute by dropping-off items at the Mettawee Community School on Friday, October 25th between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

All size clothing, especially winter garments, will be accepted along with outerwear, accessories, bedding, shoes, and even Halloween costumes. It is essential that all items are clean, smoke free and reusable.

“At the moment, my biggest clothing need is more men’s fall/winter, kids all sizes fall/winter, and all size outerwear, and outerwear accessories,” says Burnham. “Winter boots and blankets would be appreciated as well.”


While Burnham takes the lead each year, she is not alone. As the donations arrive at the school on Friday, community volunteers, including Mettawee students and staff, will organize the donations for the weekend giveaway. 

“I’m so proud of Mettawee’s connection to Share the Warmth,” says school principal Brooke DeBonis. “The kids, families and staff look forward to helping out and eagerly pitch in. It serves as a vital lesson for our students on the value of making contributions to your community.”

The second phase of the program — the giveaway — takes place over the weekend on both Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th. The Mettawee auditorium will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day. People are reminded to bring their own bags.

Anyone with any questions should contact Burnham directly. She can be reached on her cell at 802-342-6377 or email at lbbw1999ollieowen@yahoo.com. Participants in Share the Warmth have traditionally come from Rupert, Pawlet and surrounding communities in both Vermont and New York -- but everyone is encouraged to join in. 

And for the members of the public who visit the Mettawee Community School on the weekend of the clothing drive, Burnham offers only one caveat. “Take what you need and need what you take.”