In 2017, a group of dedicated volunteers recognized the need for a community food shelf serving residents of Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho, Underhill and Westford. Satistics provided to us by the Williston Community Food Shelf at that time indicated they were supporting 125 families from Essex. Those 125 families consisted of around 400 individuals, including children and seniors, who simply did not have enough to eat.
The name Aunt Dot’s Place was suggested by two of our founders, Josh and Connie McDonald. Both were inspired by social activist Dorothy Day, and both had an Aunt Dot in their family. The idea was that the name “Aunt Dot” would give a friendly feel, and help build the sense that this was a community place focused on helping each other, the way family members care and help one another.
“The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us.” – Dorothy Day
