Phoenix Books embarks on year-long partnership with Vermont Foodbank

Originally posted by Vermont Business Magazine. Original article can be Found Here.

Phoenix Books Logo and Vermont Food Bank LogoPhoenix Books is taking a stand against hunger this holiday season by matching customer donations – up to $5,000 – to the Vermont Foodbank between Thanksgiving and December 24th. The company – which has locations in Essex, Burlington, Rutland and Chester – has embarked on a year-long partnership with the Vermont Foodbank to raise at least $25,000 through a series of fundraisers. This matching program for December is the first of multiple events planned in partnership with Phoenix Books and Vermont Foodbank. The match is dollar for dollar so the more the community donates through Phoenix Books the more money raised for the Vermont Foodbank.

“Food is personal for me,” says Phoenix Books co-owner Mike DeSanto.  As a small boy my family watched what we ate, and it wasn’t about calories and fats but whether there was enough to go around. Counting out portions has always remained with me. A couple of years ago, I saw something that spoke about how hard it is for a child who is ‘food insecure’ to learn. And I recalled in that moment feeling hungry as a child.” After meeting with Nicole Whalen and Cassie Lindsay of the Vermont Foodbank, DeSanto says, “I realized that I could commit my business and the stores in four communities to doing something significant to help with feeding our neighbors in Vermont.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Phoenix Books and their customers this holiday season,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO. “Too many kids and families in our communities are struggling with hunger—we owe them better. We want everyone in our communities to reach their full potential, and that starts with a healthy meal.”

Customers at all four locations are invited to donate to the Vermont Foodbank by purchasing ornamental coupons off of a giving tree located near or at the cash registers of the stores. The coupons are simply added to the purchase or can be handled as a separate sale and contribution. The coupons come in denominations $1, $3, $5, $10 or $25, but any amount can be donated thru the registers. “Giving is simple and easy. All you need to say is I’d like to donate to the Foodbank and our staff will take care of everything from there.” said DeSanto.

About Phoenix Books:
Phoenix Books was established in 2007 on the principles of social responsibility, community, and sustainability, and is a proud member of Local First Vermont and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Phoenix Books Essex, Phoenix Books Burlington, Phoenix Books Rutland and Phoenix Books Misty Valley are Vermont-owned, independent bookstores.  Our Essex location also houses a gallery and cafe. Whenever possible, Phoenix Books sources eco-friendly products from Fair Trade/Green Certified companies. Seven Days readers voted Phoenix Books the “Best Bookstore” for the newspaper’s 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Daysie Awards, and Rutland Herald readers voted Phoenix Books the ‘Best Local Bookstore’ for the newspaper’s 2016  Best of the Best awards.