For Immediate Release: 5/8/07

Naples, FL – Join the Shelter for Abused Women & Children for Christmas in July and help the nonprofit organization meet the needs of some 4,000 victims of domestic violence served face-to-face each year.

“Summer may be a slower time in Naples, but the Shelter remains busy,” explains Volunteer & Resource Coordinator Jackie Young. “We have to continue to meet even the most basic needs of our program participants. This means providing not only safety and shelter, but also food, clothing, shoes, diapers, linens and furniture for survivors as they work to rebuild their lives free from abuse.”

In order to meet the needs of both resident and outreach program participants from across Naples, Marco Island, Immokalee, Lehigh, Bonita Springs and the surrounding areas, the Shelter is hosting Christmas in July to secure items including:

• Non-violent games & toys (all ages)
• Children’s clothing (all sizes for boys & girls)
• Baby clothes (for boys & girls)
• Gift certificates for shoes
• Diapers (all sizes – especially large)
• Baby bottles & formula (all varieties)
• Strollers & car seats
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Food items
• Twin-size bed linens & comforters                               
• Alarm clocks & sleep shirts/PJs
• Towels & wash cloths (all sizes)          
•   Plastic dinnerware/tumblers      
• Coffee, tea, juice
• Cooking & baking pans                         
• Deodorant, razors & toiletries
• Toilet paper, facial tissue & paper towels         
• Tampons & personal hygiene products
• Toothbrushes, paste & dental floss
• Laundry & dish detergents                   
• Phone cards
• Gasoline cards
• Gift cards to Publix, Winn Dixie, Target & Wal-mart
• New & gently used cell phones (for 911 calls only)

 To learn more about participating in the Shelter’s Christmas in July campaign, please call 239-775-3862, ext. 235.

For more information on the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, please call 239-775-3862, or visit us online at www.naplesshelter.org

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The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helps adult and child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention and support; educates the public about domestic violence; and advocates for social change against domestic violence. For more information, please contact us at 239-775-3862, or visit us online at: www.naplesshelter.org

Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211