Wheels for Warmth: Stacking tires and impact for 21 years

Read the full article at benningtonbanner.com. Below is an excerpt.

If you’ve attended Wheels for Warmth before, the myriad stacks of tires will be no surprise to you. What you might not know is just how many ways in which the Annual Wheels for Warmth event offers everyone a chance to make an impact. Attendees can purchase ready-to-roll, DMV inspected tires at discounted rates. These sales directly fund important statewide programming that keeps neighbors warm through the winter. Additionally, recyclable tires not viable for resale will be donated for agricultural use.

“When we started this program over 20 years ago, I saw an opportunity to keep tires out of our rivers, help Vermonters purchase good used tires for pennies on a dollar and keep Vermonters warm in the winter. It was a win-win-win,” said Governor Phil Scott. “With the ever-increasing cost of winter tires, electricity and heating fuel, this program can make a real difference. But we can’t do it without tires, so if you have tires in good condition, please consider dropping them off, it’s a great way to help your neighbors and our communities.”

The annual event collects tires from around the state to be sold at two area events on Saturday October 31st. Event proceeds directly support emergency heating assistance throughout Vermont provided by Capstone Community Action, BROC Community Action, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA), and Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA).

“For more than two decades, Wheels for Warmth has demonstrated what’s possible when communities come together around a common purpose,” said Mike Casella of Casella Waste Systems. “This event not only helps Vermonters access safe, affordable tires, but also transforms a reusable resource into support for families facing heating challenges. We’re proud to be part of a program that combines sustainability, safety, and compassion to create lasting benefits throughout Vermont.”

Since 2005, Wheels for Warmth has raised over $900,000 for emergency fuel assistance, sold 27,000 safe donated tires, and recycled 53,000 unsafe tires. The event has also hosted over 1100 volunteers from over 120 companies or organizations, resulting in over 25,000 volunteer hours.