The following release is from Burlington County:
The Burlington County Board of Commissioners is teaming with New Jersey Senators Troy Singleton and Dawn Marie Addiego to collect items for Catholic Charities Providence House Domestic Violence Services and the women and children the nonprofit helps shelter and support.
Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson announced the new donation drive on Wednesday, describing it as a way for residents to assist the shelter and its mission during the Mother’s Day holiday and beyond.
“Domestic violence is heartbreaking and devastating, and the pandemic has only made it that much harder for the victims,” Hopson said. “This donation drive is an easy way for our residents to help, and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to team with leaders like Senators Singleton and Addiego, and the Burlington County Library System and Sheriff’s Department, to aid this wonderful organization and the women and children Providence House assist and support.”
Providence House provides comprehensive and confidential services to individuals experiencing or impacted by domestic violence. The organization’s services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, advocacy, referrals and programs for children who have witnessed abuse.
Senators Singleton and Addiego both said they were thrilled to partner with the Commissioners to assist Providence House and the families at the shelter.
“Domestic violence is a scourge on our society whose trauma has far reaching affects. We as a society must work collaboratively to eradicate it. However, it is gratifying to know that organizations like Providence House exist in Burlington County to help the victims and their children,” said Singleton. “Now we’re asking all our residents to come together and contribute a few items to help this wonderful organization and all the work they perform.”
“Too often women feel trapped in abusive relationships and tragedies occur. Providence House provides a safe shelter for them and their children and critical services to help them escape,” Addiego added. “Donating items is a way to assist these victims and make sure the shelter is a safe, comfortable place to move on and rebuild their lives.”
The donation drive kicked off this week and will continue until May 26. Between now and then the Commissioners and senators will be collecting new items needed at the shelter. Requested items include:
- Diapers and pull ups (sizes 4,5,6 only)
- Individually wrapped snack foods, fruit cups, chips, pretzels, crackers and granola bars
- Colored pencils (12 packs)
- Writing journals (for adults)
- Individual packets of tissues
- 100% white cotton pillowcases and T-Shirts (youth and adult sizes)
- Toiletries, such as deodorant, body wash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner
Items should be new and have tags attached and can be dropped off at boxes located at Burlington County Library branches, as well as at Senator Singleton’s legislative office in Moorestown (400 North Church Street, Suite 260) and Senator Addiego’s office in Medford (176 Route 70, Suite 13).
“This is a great way to help Providence House and those the nonprofit support, so when you’re shopping for your own family this Spring, please consider purchasing some of these items for the families Providence House assists and supports,” Hopson said.
