As an independent shop owner, asking for help does not come easily to me, but I am now in a position of having no other choice.

*** Dec 10th note. Why does the goal increase? The goal that you see increases as donations are posted, per the Go Fund Me automatic goal setting function. I chose the auto goal setting because Go Fund Me said that was the best thing to do. The visible goal is a portion of my actual goal that I originally set up. Thanks. ***

In October, I suffered a very severe case of diverticulitis. After an initial course of medication, my condition worsened significantly and I was admitted to the hospital. I spent nine days there and underwent two procedures. Ultimately, my store had to be closed for nearly six weeks. After being discharged from the hospital and a week and a half of recovery, I could only manage a few hours in the shop at a time. I continued to increase my open hours as I could and am now open regular hours, but with no income during the long time my shop was closed and with medical bills now arriving, I find myself in dire straits and need help to keep Recycled Reading open.

Just before I got sick, I had brought in a large amount of new inventory for the fall and upcoming holiday season, including books, games, puzzles, instruments, and more. Even with the holiday season now upon us, missing so many weeks during the busy fall and early winter period has been financially devastating.

I have been so fortunate to be part of the Bristol community for over 14 years. I have so many wonderful regular customers, and yearly vacationing customers, who sustain me, and I am so appreciative. Every day, especially during this difficult time, I am reminded why Bristol is such a special place. It is the beautiful Green where we gather, the shops and restaurants we treasure, the Town Hall where we meet and celebrate, and the river and mountains that surround us. Above all, it is the people. More than anything, I want to remain part of the downtown Bristol business community and continue serving the people of the Five Towns, neighboring towns, and everyone who calls or walks through my door.

I know these are difficult economic times for everyone, so please only donate what you can afford. Every donation, no matter the amount, will be deeply and forever appreciated. Donations will be used for my medical bills and business expenses that I can't meet due to income loss in October and November.

Thank you all so much.

Melissa