The Vermont Country Store has long been synonymous with quality products, a touch of nostalgia, and a strong sense of community. Beyond their charming brick-and-mortar locations, the Vermont Country Store Catalog Online extends this experience to homes across the nation, offering a curated selection of goods that embody tradition and care. But the heart of the Vermont Country Store goes even deeper, woven into the fabric of the community they serve. This is beautifully illustrated in the story of Michelle Murray, a storekeeper whose journey embodies the giving spirit that the Vermont Country Store represents, both in its catalog and its community initiatives.
Michelle’s connection to the Vermont Country Store is deeply personal. As she explains, “I would really like to be a part of The Vermont Country Store’s Volunteer Team, because when I attended the College of Saint Joseph in Rutland, The Vermont Country Store always provided Christmas gifts for the students who had been part of their STEPS program. I was one of those students.” This simple statement reveals a powerful story of paying it forward.
The STEPS program (Students Taking an Effective Path to Success) supports young adults who have aged out of foster care. For years, the Vermont Country Store has been a steadfast supporter, providing Christmas gifts to these students, ensuring they feel remembered and cared for during a season often associated with family and belonging. This commitment to community is a value that resonates throughout the Vermont Country Store, from their volunteer efforts to the thoughtful selection in their catalog online.
Michelle’s journey took her from recipient to giver. Starting in Customer Service during the 2014 holiday season, she became a full-time associate and eagerly joined the employee volunteer team. Her enthusiasm to contribute to community needs was immediately apparent. She accompanied Ann Warrell, Community Action Coordinator, on the annual trip to the Weston store to select Christmas gifts for STEPS students.
Together, they shopped for 14 students, filling their baskets with games, treats, and practical items like soap, lotions, hats, and gloves. Michelle’s thoughtful approach was evident as she considered both the fun and functional aspects of each gift. Sharing laughter and Christmas plans, Michelle was genuinely moved by the opportunity to give back to the program that had once supported her. This act of kindness mirrors the experience of finding the perfect, thoughtful gift within the Vermont Country Store catalog online – each item carefully chosen with consideration and care.
For Ann Warrell, the experience was equally meaningful. With her own mother having been in foster care, the STEPS program held a special significance. Meeting Michelle, a former STEPS student now volunteering for the Vermont Country Store, was a powerful moment. In Ann’s words, “Little did she know, Michelle gave me my first Christmas gift this year: the chance to see first-hand how The Vermont Country Store has made a meaningful difference in her life, and how our seemingly small gestures can mean so very much.”
Michelle’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of community support and the values upheld by the Vermont Country Store. Just as Michelle thoughtfully selected gifts for STEPS students, the Vermont Country Store catalog online is curated with a similar intention – to offer products that bring joy, practicality, and a sense of connection to tradition. Explore the Vermont Country Store catalog online today and discover the heartwarming spirit of giving and community that extends from their stores to your home.
