Three AmeriCorps members serving with Preserve WV have organized a community service project to help victims of domestic violence who are staying at local shelters.
“Survivors of domestic violence often flee abuse with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They turn to local domestic violence programs for refuge, and are often traumatized and fearful,” AmeriCorps member Connie Evans said. “Most shelters have to provide survivors with everything they need to start over, and that is why shelters need your help.”
Evans, currently assigned in the West Virginia & Regional History Center, and fellow AmeriCorps members Amber Bradley and Jessi Hersom started the donation drive to support victims staying at local shelters. They encourage students, faculty and staff to donate items from the list of suggested toiletries, health care products and baby supplies.
Donation boxes are located in the lobbies of the Downtown Campus and Evansdale libraries and on the sixth floor of the Downtown Campus Library through Feb. 28.
Suggested donations include personal care items (soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, razors, shaving cream and wash cloths), hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes and combs), dental hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash), cosmetics (nail polish, polish remover, face cream, lip balm, lipstick, hand and body lotion and perfume samples), baby supplies (diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes and baby powder) and miscellaneous items like phone chargers.
For more information, contact Evans at connie.evans@mail.wvu.edu.