Top 10 Needs for September

1. Diapers. The majority of the women we serve in our domestic violence programs have children. There is always a need for diapers, and other infant supplies such as diaper rash cream, baby lotion and shampoo. 
2. Lunch bag supplies: large paper lunch bags, plastic bags, sandwich bags. Our Help Ease Local Poverty (HELP) program serves a “casual bag meal” for our homeless and disadvantaged guests during the year. Groups of people come together to make sandwiches and put together a meal.  In order to do this, we are in need of supplies like large brown paper lunch bags, plastic bags (that you get from the grocery store), and sandwich bags (the fold over ones are preferred, not ziploc bags).  
3. Donations. All of our Domestic Violence services are offered at no charge and are completely confidential to ensure client safety. We welcome your donations to allow us to continue these crucial services!
4. Clothing for our Success Closet. Our Workforce Development clients and Emerge Homeless Young Adults can find appropriate attire for job interviews.  We are in special need of men’s dress shoes, dress shirts, and ties. 
5. New or used children's books. Kids of our domestic violence victims are in special need of books to help create a supportive learning environment.
6. Nonperishable food.  This food goes to a variety of our programs ranging from Help Ease Local Poverty (HELP) to Emerge Homeless Young Adults.  Preferred items include canned vegetables, rice, spaghetti, pasta sauce, spices, peanut butter, jelly and healthy snacks such as granola bars, raisins or trail mix.
7. Toiletries.  Donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, etc, including travel-sized samples from hotels, help everyone from homeless adults to domestic violence victims who are trying to make a new start.
8. Gift Cards for our Just Us Kids in the Community Program. These gift cards will provide youth with fun, engaging alternatives that reward them for making healthy life decisions.
9. Sports Equipment for our After School Programs. The goal of our programs is to provide an environment that allows for the development of social and physical well-being in addition to promoting school success.
10. Blankets or new stuffed animals. We try to comfort kids as much as possible who are going through our Domestic Violence programs. We find that kids respond well to blankets and stuffed animals (only new please) as comfort items.

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