April 2017
Ten-year-old Phoebe Rotelli is making a name for herself in her Glastonbury neighborhood. Each year, for the past three years, Phoebe has collected new and gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and housewares from her neighbors to donate to the Second Chance Shop, a completely volunteer-run boutique thrift store whose proceeds benefit The Village for Families & Children. This year, she collected a whopping 850 pounds of clothing!
Each year Phoebe runs the clothing drive, her collection gets larger. Over the past three years, she has collected nearly 1,700 pounds of clothing!
Phoebe started the annual tradition in 2015 after studying social awareness in third grade. “I feel happy that I’m giving things to people in need,” said Phoebe, explaining why she wanted to continue the clothing drive.
“We are so impressed by Phoebe’s efforts,” said JoAnn Adams, director of the Glastonbury Auxiliary. “And so grateful that she continues to support the Second Chance Shop and The Village. She sets a positive example of what it means to give back and is an inspiration to her peers and adults, as well.”
Phoebe is glad that her donation will help the vulnerable children and families served by The Village, which helps children with emotional, social and behavioral health problems receive the assistance they need.
For over 55 years, the volunteer-run Glastonbury Auxiliary of The Village for Families & Children has been supporting programs that build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children. Last year, the Auxiliary contributed $108,000 to The Village, which serves over 8,400 children and their families each year in the Greater Hartford area.
Located at 730 Hebron Avenue, the Glastonbury Second Chance Shop is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 10am-4pm and Saturdays, 10am-2pm.
Photo Caption: Ten-year-old Phoebe Rotelli of Glastonbury sits amidst the 850 pounds of clothing she collected from her neighbors and donated to the Second Chance Shop, whose proceeds benefit children served by The Village for Families & Children. Also pictured are Glastonbury Auxilians, JoAnn Adams, director, Marina Stucky, vice chair, and Judy Caron, chair.