Our Mission:
On August 28th, 2011, Hurricane Irene and her rain and wind pounded the State of Vermont and washed away roads, homes and lives. We are K-Town / Irene’s Islands was founded to help the people of Killington and the surrounding communities who have suffered as a result of Hurricane Irene.
With funds generously donated from our friends and neighbors throughout Vermont, the Northeast and across the globe, we hope to provide financial assistance as they begin to rebuild their lives.
We are Vermont Strong. We are K-town!
Why We are K-Town / Irene’s Islands was founded:
Despite the weather report of strong winds and torrential rain, nothing could have prepared Vermont for the flooding and devastation that followed Hurricane Irene.
While social media has exposed many of you to images of the roads, homes and lives ruined in Irene’s path, no picture can capture the loss experience by the people of Killington and the surrounding communities.
No photograph captures the magnitude of nature’s wrath let loose upon the Green Mountain State nor can it make us truly appreciate or understand what our friends and neighbors lost. The destruction is unbelievable, and overwhelmingly emotional and truly takes your breath away.
The worst flooding in the history of Vermont destroyed covered bridges that stood for more than 100 years and has changed the towns and cities of Vermont for a 100 years to come.
The roads that connected the beautiful villages and small towns were destroyed and many of these mountain communities truly became islands. Roads and bridges and homes washed away, people walking miles to get to their loved ones. The feeling of isolation was powerful and frightening.
But Vermonters get things done! They band together! They get things done!
A road built by a local businessman to help give folks a way off the “island”; a man on horseback bringing much needed medication to a neighbor; people on 4-wheelers and ATV’s traveling damaged side trails to bring water, food, diapers and anything else they could carry; an group designing, printing and selling 1000 t-shirts in less than 48 hours to benefit the VT Food Bank — these are just a few examples of the way regular Vermonters reacted to the needs of others.
And the needs have continued to grow. That is why we are asking for your help. To give aid and support to our local population in a time of need. To help our friends and neighbors rebuild their lives.
Who we are:
Linda Ross is the Director & Administrator of We are K-Town / Irene’s Islands. Linda has worked in Killington for over 15 years at Killington Resort and is currently the manager of Santa Fe Steakhouse. A graduate of Penn State University, Linda has been involved in many community activities and events. Linda has been active with Special Olympics and Avon Foundation for Breast Cancer. On the day after Irene hit, Linda was out of town and once learning she could not get back to Killington, she got to work and organized We are K-Town as she knew the needs of many of our area locals would be great!
Dave Dixon was a Killington resident for many years and now resides in Pittsfield, Vermont. Dave currently works at the Garlic on the Killington Road and has worked in the Killington service industry for 16 years. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, he has helped organize many local fundraisers and raised money for national charities including the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the ASPCA. Dave spent the week after Hurricane Irene coordinating volunteers, distributing supplies and helping to feed the residents of Pittsfield.
Glenn Burres currently lives in Killington with his wife Jen and young daughter Kaitlyn. He currently works for the resort as the bar manager at the Long Trail Pub. Glenn is a retired firefighter from the City of Newburgh, New York and a graduate of the State University of New York at Delhi. Immediately after the Hurricane, Glenn was amongst the first to help gather supplies and deliver them to the people and communities that needed them most. He is now working with town officials to help assess damages to roads and property.
Kelly Spear is a Woodstock native who currently resides in North Pomfret, Vermont. A 2004 graduate of Fairfield University, she has worked for the Long Trail Brewing Company as a sales representative since February of 2005. As a fifth generation Vermonter, she has strong ties to the area and to the communities within. Kelly spent the week after Irene getting supplies to many people in need, in many areas, and mostly with a 4-wheeler!
Where does the money go:
All monies and donations will be given to residents in the area in need of assistance. Some have lost everything they had, while many have lost a significant portion of their possessions. We are here to lend a helping hand and help them rebuild their homes and lives!!
What else will we do:
Many of us have things lying around we no longer need or use. Aside from monetary donations, we are happy to accept household items, furniture or clothing. We will check on needs and help coordinate with those who can donate any of these items. Please send us an email with any items you may be able to donate here:
