The holidays can be the best of times for many people and the worst of times for others, especially for victims dealing with domestic violence…
The holidays can be the best of times for many people and the worst of times for others, especially for victims dealing with domestic violence and living in a frightening and dangerous situation, said Andrea Gutka, operations director of the WomenSafe Green House shelter in Chardon.
She is asking people to include WomenSafe’s Adopt-a-Family Program in their holiday giving.
“It’s a heartwarming initiative that provides Christmas to those who are victims of domestic violence,” Gutka said.
People may choose to adopt a specific family currently in WomenSafe’s care or purchase items from the shelter’s general holiday wish list, which Gutka said will help those who used the services over the previous 24 months.
“Families ravaged by domestic abuse require nearly two years of assistance to recover from their trauma and rebuild lives that are safe, and emotionally and physically healthy,” she explained. “The Adopt-a-Family program is designed to support families whose situation is frightening and dangerous, through no fault of their own.”
Another way to help the organization is to visit the WomenSafe Resale Shoppe at 12601 Chillicothe Road in Chester, known locally as the Drug Mart plaza.
The store offers new and gently used clothing for women and children, home furnishings, children’s toys and even holiday decorations.
New this year is a furniture department. People can also donate items to the store, including furniture.
A large item pick-up can be arranged by WomenSafe. If someone would like to donate a car, that can also be arranged, Gutka said, adding the car will be sold and WomenSafe will get the proceeds.
The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
People can contact the organization at wsdonations@windstream.net or call 440-286-7154, ext. 230.
Sponsor-A-Family or Shop at Sunshine Store
Another way to help Geauga families and individuals in need is through The Geauga County Job and Family Services Community Support Services’ Sponsor-A-Family program.
Supported solely by donations and sponsorships for more than 40 years, the program matches Geauga families, foster children and seniors with food, gifts and toys for the holidays.
More than 570 families, including 1,112 children, from every community in the county received help in 2013, said spokeswoman Sara Shininger.
Shininger said every dollar donated will go directly to help a resident, no administrative costs are incurred.
Volunteers are needed if someone’s heart is bigger than his or her wallet. The group is looking for volunteers to sort and bag food, pack gifts and toys and deliver them to families.
People can also help by shopping the Sunshine Shop, a nonprofit thrift store located at the Burton Fairgrounds. It is open for business 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. People can also donate new and gently used clothing and smaller items to the shop there.
New and gently used furniture and appliances, clean and in good working condition, may be donated to GCJFS to be given to needy residents.
These include beds, dressers, desks, couches, chairs, coffee tables, kitchen tables, lamps, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers and microwaves. A pick-up can be arranged for large items.
GCJFS is also looking for volunteer tutors to help students at Jordak Elementary, Cardinal Intermediate School and Burton Elementary School. Tutors can work one-on-one with a student or help in a classroom setting.
Volunteers must complete a training and background check prior to being placed in a school. There are currently 33 tutors in the program and the goal is to expand it to others school districts.
Contact Shininger at sara.shininger@ jfs.ohio.gov, or 440-285-9141, ext. 1263.
Adopt a New Pet for the Holidays
If you want to help four-legged friends, Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village has several events planned.
It’s annual “Art From the Heart” sale will be held Dec. 1214 at La Place shopping center, 2101 Richmond Road in Beachwood. A holiday photo opportunity with Santa Paws will be offered there noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Crafts and adoptable animals will take center stage.
A “Home for the Holidays Mega Adopt-a-Thon” is planned 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 at Subaru in Wickliffe in conjunction with the Lake County Humane Society. It will feature adoptable animals and special promotional adoption fees.
Rescue Village has a shelter wish list. Needed items include Purina Dog Chow, Purina Kitten Chow, Purina Puppy Chow, canned dog food, cat toys, bedding, bleach and high-value dog treats.
“We could really use general monetary donations to help fund the daily needs of the shelter,” added Anna Marie Velazquez, marketing and events coordinator.
Contact Rescue Village at geaugahumane.org.
