Vermont's Carhartt company donates clothing to flood victims

By Jenna  Pizzi
Staff Writer
BARRE – Carhartt clothing company has donated 18,000 jeans, jackets, gloves and tops to Lenny’s Shoe and Apparel to help Vermonters who lost clothing in the flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.
Mark McCarthy, the owner of Lenny’s, said he is grateful that Carhartt would make such a major donation. He wants to ensure that the items go to people adversely impacted by the destructive floodwaters.
“We want this stuff to go to those families and people who have had major issues,” said McCarthy.
Once all the clothing, which comes in men’s and women’s sizes, is sorted, McCarthy said he will begin to reach out to communities, starting close to home in places such as Waterbury, Northfield and Rochester, before going further south to other needy communities.
McCarthy said he is certain that there will be plenty of clothing to help all those in need, but added that he is having some difficulty finding efficient and effective ways to distribute the clothing.
“The challenge has been calling all of these municipalities,” he said.
Because the flood damaged so many roads and bridges, transporting the clothes is a significant obstacle. Getting anywhere in southern Vermont can be a challenge at the moment, especially in a large delivery truck.
Anyone who wants to help deliver the clothes directly to those in need is encouraged to call the Barre store at 802-476-7446 during regular business hours and ask for Mark McCarthy.