The Co-op Food Stores

added 12/23/09

Charitable Outreach

The Co-op Community Partner of the Month program offers an opportunity for Co-op shoppers to donate at the registers to a local non-profit organization. Many of these organizations have small staffs and small budgets to work with, and have been hit hard by the nation’s economic crisis. Ninety percent of all donations go directly to the Partner of the Month. Ten percent goes to the Hanover Cooperative Community Fund, the Co-op’s charitable foundation. The Co-op is currently scheduling organizations to be featured as partners in 2013.

Upper Valley Hostel

The year was 1977. A committee from the Dartmouth Medical School Ethics Forum determined that many people coming for daily treatments at Upper Valley medical centers added even more hardship to their lives because of the distances they traveled. Area citizens quickly formed groups to raise money and rent a house. Today, the Upper Valley Hostel provides home-like overnight accommodations for adults receiving out-patient treatment and also serves family members of hospitalized patients. The organization is also our January Community Partner of the Month.

Located on 17 South Street in Hanover, New Hampshire, Upper Valley Hostel has sixteen single beds in eight bedrooms split among three floors. Each floor has its own bathroom. There is a common kitchen, sun-room/eating area, and living room. A washer and dryer are also available. The first floor bedrooms and bathroom are handicap accessible.

The Upper Valley Hostel is staffed 365 days a year, twenty-four hours per day through the commitment of four staff members and many volunteers. Its active Board of Directors consists of community-minded individuals who are strong advocates for the organization.

The Upper Valley Hostel is a 501©3 non-profit organization and operates through guest fees and financial donations. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

How You Can Help

• Make a donation to the Upper Valley Hostel when you shop at any Co-op location during the month of January.
• Volunteer four hours per month to answer the phone, help guests, or take on a project.
• Call the Upper Valley Hostel at (603) 643-3277 to learn about volunteer opportunities, or visit them online at www.uppervalleyhostel.org.

Interested in a Tour?

The Upper Valley Hostel is eager to host interested community members who would like to take a tour of the facility. Staff members are available most weekdays and even drop-ins are welcome—though a phone call ahead of time is greatly appreciated. Please call (603) 643-3277.