As you're surrounded by your family and too many gifts this Christmas, some are having to face difficult decisions on whether they need to leave an abusive relationship and start over. That first step is daunting, but the Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Center is a safe house for all of those survivors in southwest North Dakota.
So as you’re thinking about others this holiday season, think about donating any household or necessity items to the Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Center — it may just be the best Christmas gift you can give to someone.
The DVRCC has received quite a few gifts from the community through a few different angel trees around Dickinson that help families out. A few agencies in the area will also help sponsor a family for the holiday season. All of the families the DVRCC supports will have a great Christmas through those gift and meal donations the community has graciously contributed to those survivors. However, everyday wish-list items are still appreciated, DVRCC Direct Services Provider and Site Manager Kayla Messall said.
“I just think it’s been a really rough year for a lot of families, including nonprofits. I know, as of now, our donations are down a little bit as far as financial aid goes, and I don’t know if that’s because of the impact of COVID-19 or who knows what that is,” Messall said. “But I just think it’s important to remember that there are so many families that do need support, and especially at the holiday time. I don’t think anybody really wants to feel like they can’t do what they want at holidays.”
The DVRCC could use more laundry and dish supplies such as HE laundry soap, dishwasher finish tablets, dryer sheets (sensitive skin preferably), stain remover and fabric softener. Other essential items include personal care items, cleaning supplies, paper products, linen supplies, meds/medical supplies, clothing, food items, baking/cooking ingredients, beauty supplies, baby items and gift cards. The DVRCC could also use a new Keurig coffee maker.
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“We are extremely grateful and humbled by how supportive our community is and the generosity they show on a daily basis, not just at the holiday season,” Messall said.
The DVRCC provides services to victims in Stark, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Bowman, Slope, Adams and Billings counties. On an average year, the center will serve approximately 250 brand new individuals who’ve never accessed the DVRCC’s services before, Messall said. These confidential services include a 24-hour crisis line, crisis counseling, personal advocacy, outreach services, safe shelter, protective orders, legal advocacy, public education, women and children’s support group and safety planning.
To donate any wish-list items or monetary donations, for contactless delivery and shipping information, call 701-225-4506.
