Rep. Joe Andriano has launched a noble cause to raise funds for a nonprofit community center in Orwell to follow in the footsteps of Buxton’s Store, which has served as that town’s de facto community center for decades.

Buxton’s owners, Andy and Mary Buxton, made the difficult decision to shutter the long-time family-owned store this fall and posted on Facebook that Oct. 31 would be their final day. Andriano conceived of the idea of a community-led nonprofit and launched a Go-Fund-Me campaign to support that effort.

“For over 50 years, Buxton’s Store has been the heart and soul of Orwell, Vermont,” reads the Go-Fund-Me pitch. “… This beloved establishment has offered a quintessential Vermont country store experience to generations of locals and visitors. Now as they prepare to close their doors, our town has the opportunity to preserve this vital community hub for generations to come.”

The fund seeks $103,000 to cover a year of the buildings costs and pay off some outstanding expenses, while, Andriano said, “our community group secures grant funding” to buy the property. As of this writing the campaign had raised $6,520.

The goal is a hefty amount for a small town, which raises the call to neighboring towns as well. While Andriano made his appeal strictly to his Orwell neighbors, it’s appropriate for all of us in Addison County.

“If you believe in preserving community spaces and supporting our village center and our neighbors, please consider donating,” Andriano says. “Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our town.” Here’s the link to the Go-Fund-Me campaign. If you’re able, it’s an effective way to support our county’s smaller towns, and in doing so we’re all stronger.

Angelo Lynn