Clarion Inn remodel provides a boost for Vermont flood victims

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Cape Cod Express truck driver Derick Araujo left the Clarion Inn last week with a full load of donated furniture for the flood victims of Waterbury. Vermont. — Photo courtesy of Jim Carter

Last August, Jim and Debbie Carter, operators of the Clarion Inn on Upper Main Street in Edgartown, got a firtshand look at the devastation Hurricane Irene caused in Vermont, where the couple own a vacation home.

Rain associated with the storm led to major flood damage. So when the couple decided to replace the furniture in the 34-room inn, they decided to see if Vermont relief organizations could use the displaced beds, nightstands, and chairs.

A flood relief organization in the hard-hit town of Waterbury, Vt., welcomed the donation. The snag was how to transport the furniture the 283 miles to Vermont.

Cape Cod Express was transporting the new furniture to the inn. The company agreed to return to the mainland with a full truck of the donated furniture at no cost, and transfer it to a trucker working for Vermont relief agencies.

The furniture is now available for Vermonters in need.