H.O.P.E. Donates 100 Backpacks to Lyndon Institute

September 5th, 2019

Lyndon Institute received a donation of 100 backpacks on August 20,
2019, from H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Everyday). H.O.P.E operates a thrift store in
Lyndonville, VT to help fund its mission to provide basic services to people in need in the local
community. H.O.P.E. and LI have worked closely over the years to provide their students with
clothing and other basic necessities when needed.

Initially, H.O.P.E. was the recipient of 3,000 backpacks from the Tender Corporation who is
based out of Littleton, NH. Yvette O’Connor reached out to Lyndon Institute Counselor Bobbi
Warner Somers on behalf of H.O.P.E. to facilitate the donation to LI.

Over the years, O’Connor, Somers, and Jodi Wheeler (founder of H.O.P.E.) have worked to
provide clothing, backpacks, and other essential items for LI students. H.O.P.E. has also
provided many students with suits and dresses for events at LI like their annual Snow Ball and
Prom.

More information about H.O.P.E. can be found on their website at www.hopevermont.com and
more information about Lyndon Institute can be found at www.lyndoninstitute.org. LI students
that are interested in obtaining one of the donated backpacks are encouraged to stop into the
Counseling Center at LI.