Leverett Village Co-op News

Jan 5, 2023

BIG NEWS ON THE CHALLENGE GRANT: WE DID IT!

 The Leverett Village Coop is thrilled and grateful to announce that our community successfully blew past the $15,000 “Ensure the Future of Our Co-op” Challenge Grant goal with $16,351 in donations!

 Added to the $15,000 originally pledged, this $31,351 will provide stability and time the Co-op needs to build a stronger and more resilient business. 

 Thank you to everyone who participated in this important effort! Your contributions will ensure that your Co-op can continue to serve you — better and stronger.

 Because of you, we’re celebrating our Co-op’s 50th anniversary positioned for the next half century!

 The Challenge Grant was offered in October 2023 by four local women determined to save our Co-op from what looked at the time like imminent closure. They recognized the key role the Co-op plays in our lives — not just as the only grocery store for miles around but also as our coffee shop, event space, pizza restaurant, art gallery, music stage and the friendliest meeting place around.

 Huge thanks to Challenge Grant hosts Ann Ferguson, Nancy Folbre, Carol Heim and Carol Shea for stepping up so generously! 

 Following announcement of the Challenge Grant in October, fundraising kicked off at the Co-op's Fall Harvest Festival and with the launch of a GoFundMe webpage.

 120 donors came together to meet the Challenge!

 Their gifts ranged from a few dollars to $1,500. Donations at the Coop's December Holiday Fair and big-hearted bids for this year’s holiday gift baskets capped off our season of giving. 

 The Leverett Village Co-op is grateful to local businesses whose donations reflect their commitment to our community.

 Thank you to Apollo Contracting, Dean’s Beans, Grassroots Landscaping, Kieras Oil, Morse Mowing & Landscaping and Woodsmith Forestry.

 We know that big challenges lay ahead. And the long cold winter is upon us. But today our Co-op is stronger than ever. 

 To everyone who shops, works and volunteers at the Co-op, please keep doing what you are doing and a huge THANK YOU!