Holiday Gifts Needed for Local Survivors of Domestic Violence

Women Against Abuse Calls for Community Support for its 2017 Holiday Gift Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia (November 30, 2017) – Women Against Abuse, Inc., Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence agency, is reaching out to community members for their support to brighten the holidays for local survivors of domestic violence.

The need for gifts is higher than ever before, with more than 450 clients and children in this year’s drive. Women Against Abuse operates the only domestic violence shelters in Philadelphia, as well as a 15-unit transitional housing program, and one of the nation’s first legal centers for victims of domestic violence. Clients in each of these programs benefit from the gift drive.

“The violence our country has experienced this year exposes the pervasive impact of family violence. We all have an important role to play in ending domestic violence; in taking a stand for peace and safety,” said Jeannine L. Lisitski, Executive Director & President of Women Against Abuse. “Women Against Abuse is looking to our neighbors to partner with us in supporting our holiday gift drive. The gift drive brightens what could be a very difficult holiday season for survivors and their children, offering hope, encouragement and love as they rebuild after abuse.”

Many of the women and children who benefit from the Holiday Gift Drive have had to flee their homes to escape from domestic violence. Often, they arrive at Women Against Abuse’s confidential emergency safe havens with only the clothes on their backs.

New clothing, toys, books, journals and gift cards make perfect presents. Gifts for teens and women are especially needed from the community. All gifts should be unwrapped and new. Gifts should be dropped off Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm and Thursdays from 3 pm to 6 pm at Women Against Abuse’s office – 100 S Broad Street, Suite 1341. No appointments necessary. The gift drive ends December 14th.

Call to the Community: Adopt-A-Family Program

Women Against Abuse is also in need of community support for its Adopt-A-Family program. As part of its Holiday Gift Drive, the Adopt-A-Family program is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the holidays and share the spirit of giving by directly supporting Women Against Abuse clients who are transitioning into homes of their own. Participants will receive a profile of their “adopted family,” as well as a personalized wish list. This year, there are more than 75 families who need to be “adopted.”

For more information about the Women Against Abuse Holiday Gift Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program, visit womenagainstabuse.org.

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About Women Against Abuse

Women Against Abuse, Inc., one of the largest domestic violence programs in the country, serves nearly 14,000 individuals in Philadelphia each year through emergency safe haven, transitional housing, legal services, hotline counseling, community education and advocacy. For more information, visit womenagainstabuse.org.