HAVEN Seeks Donated Items for Survivors of Assault and Abuse
(HAVEN, Nov. 17, 2021)
Pontiac, MI – As the holiday season approaches, HAVEN is organizing its annual Gift Giveaway for survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. HAVEN is Oakland County’s only shelter for survivors intimate partner abuse and the organization relies heavily on donations and volunteers to make this special event happen.
“Unlike any other holiday giveaway or ‘adopt a family’ program, Gift Giveaway empowers survivors who have utilized HAVEN’s services in the last 12 months to shop for free through hundreds of items donated by the community,” said Aimee Nimeh, President and CEO of HAVEN. “Volunteers accompany survivors and help them pick out gifts for their children and themselves. It is a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved!”
HAVEN is currently seeking community support for donations of gifts and volunteers to help organize the event. Last year, more than 700 Survivors and their children had signed up to be a part of Gift Giveaway. This year, HAVEN expects to see this many or more survivors and children at the event. In addition, close to 300 volunteers supported Gift Giveaway during the seven day event which included four days of donation drop off and three days of client shopping and pick-ups for their families.
“It’s amazing to see volunteers connect with survivors and see survivors connect and be reminded that they are not alone. Their community supports them as well,” said Ernestine McRae, HAVEN director of resources and community partnerships.
Donating gifts is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit! Gifts can be dropped off at HAVEN throughout the day on December 3, 4 and 5.
All gifts must be brand new, unused and unwrapped.
The top priority items requested are:
$20 and $50 gift cards from Target, Meijer or Kroger
Winter coats in sizes L, XL, XXL, 1X, 2X, 3X
Full and queen size blankets and comforters
Teen items, especially traditionally male items
Kitchen appliances such as toasters, crock pots, plates and silverware
Pajamas of all sizes, ages and genders
Interested in helping, but are unable to make a financial contribution? HAVEN loves volunteers!
Volunteers are needed to help accept donations, set up the gift giveaway room, assist clients shopping, carrying gifts to cars, restocking tables and cleaning up after the event.
For more information on HAVEN’s Gift Giveaway, including to volunteer or donate, please visit https://www.haven-oakland.org/gift-giveaway-2020.