Wrapping up the Holidays for The Women’s Center: seeking “Holiday Helpers” to help brighten the holidays for victims of violence, abuse and trauma

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The Women’s Center (TWC) is seeking “Holiday Helpers” to help brighten the holidays for women and children who are victims of violence, abuse and trauma. There are several ways adults and youth can make a difference this season for survivors of domestic violence.

VOLUNTEER TO WRAP GIFTS.
Adults and youth can volunteer for the Gift Wrapping Project at the Dartmouth Mall. This is the 12th year for the gift wrapping project at the Dartmouth Mall, which has raised over $100,000 since 2002 for TWC programs and services. All funds raised benefit victims of abuse thanks to the Dartmouth Mall and event sponsor Baarsvik Souza Orthodontics of Dartmouth that purchases all the gift wrap, bows and other supplies for the project.

Volunteers are needed through December 23 from 9am-9pm in 3-hour shifts (9am-12; 12noon-3pm; 3-6pm or 6-9pm). A special crew of our veteran wrappers will also be working on Christmas Eve from 9am-1pm for those last minute shoppers. The online sign-up schedule link is posted on the TWC website homepage at www.thewomenscentersc.com under the ribbon logo.

BE A GIFT WRAP CUSTOMER.
People can bring purchases to be wrapped from the Dartmouth Mall or gifts that have been bought at other stores. Prices vary from $2 – $8 depending on the size of the package and whether or not you need a box. The wrapping station is located near Old Navy in the Dartmouth Mall.

“Last year, several people went home and brought back all their gifts to be wrapped,” said Rebecca McCullough, Development Director for TWC who runs the project, “it’s wonderful to see how many people look for us every year and pay a modest fee to get their gifts wrapped .” All proceeds benefit TWC programs and direct services for women, children and families who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child trauma. In addition, 100% of donations placed in the donation box at the TWC Gift Wrapping station at the Dartmouth Mall this year will be deposited into the TWC Family Fund for Holiday gift cards for our clients and emergency food, clothing and other expenses not covered in program budgets throughout the year.

DONATE GIFT CARDS.

Gift cards for a variety of stores are available at supermarket checkout counters. They are the perfect gift because they are always the right size. When you donate a Gift Card you are giving the “gift of choice” for teens and adults. Gift cards are also used for emergency needs throughout the year to provide food, clothing and other necessities, as families enter shelter or move on to permanent housing.

“A gift card empowers people in need with pride and gives them the same holiday experiences that we all enjoy,” remarked Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Executive Director of The Women’s Center. “Gift cards allow our clients to shop for their children and have the joy of granting that favorite wish. Teens can choose a CD or DVD or a new shirt or pants in the right sizes, colors and styles. Gift cards for supermarkets also allow families of different cultures to purchase the specific items they use, as well as small gifts and a special holiday meal for their family.”

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For many people in the Southcoast, money is in very short supply. Nothing is more heart wrenching than thinking of a child without a gift for the holidays. Kids don’t realize that their family does not have the means to buy gifts, as parents often struggle just to provide basic food and shelter.

Demand for services at The Women’s Center is on the rise, as budget cuts continue to threaten the programs and services for families in need. Times are tough, but if you can provide just one gift card or volunteer for just a few hours, you can help brighten the holidays for someone less fortunate.

For more than 42 years, The Women’s Center has provided free and confidential, 24-hour, easily accessible services for victims of violence, abuse and trauma. With offices in New Bedford and Fall River, The Women’s Center offers counseling, education, outreach, referrals and resources to victims of violence, abuse and trauma.

For more information about The Women’s Center and the gift wrapping project, visit www.thewomenscentersc.com or call the business office at 508-996-3343. If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-hour Hotline at 508-999-6636.

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