For Immediate Release: 7/13/07

Naples, FL – Support the Shelter for Abused Women & Children by donating new back-to-school merchandise to benefit some of the more than 1,400 child victims of domestic violence directly assisted by the nonprofit organization annually.

“It’s not uncommon for a mother and her children to appear at our doors with only the pajamas on their backs,” explains Shelter Volunteer & Resource Coordinator Jackie Young. “While they focus on healing from the abuse, the Shelter staff focuses on meeting their basic needs – everything from food and shelter to clothing and, at this time of year, school supplies for the kids.” As the only certified domestic violence shelter in Collier County, the Shelter for Abused Women & Children has offices in Naples and Immokalee, and serves Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres and points in-between. For the 2007-2008 school year the following new supplies are needed:

• School UniformsSchool ShoesSchool ClothesBackpacksWhite Board MarkersKleenexLunch Boxes & ThermosProtractors1, 3, 5 Subject NotebooksElmer’s GlueGlue SticksChildren’s Scissors#2 PencilsBlack PensBlue PensRed Ink PensHigh LightersPocket Folders (some with prongs)3-Hole Binder Paper (loose leaf)RulersPrimary Color Paint Sets (watercolors)Pencil BoxesConstruction PaperWashable Colored PencilsWashable Crayons Washable MarkersErasersBinders (½, 1, 1 ½, 2 in.)CalculatorsWriting TabletsBaby Wipes
• Gift cards to Wal-mart, Publix, Target, Payless Shoes and the like

According to Young, “Gift certificates and cash donations are always welcome as they allow us to secure school clothes or uniforms, pay for sports or band equipment and other supplies throughout the year since new families are always coming to Shelter for help.” She concludes, “The children come to us in crisis, we do all that we can to empower them, make their lives as normal as possible and prepare them for bright futures – providing school supplies is just one of the many ways we can help ease their minds.”To learn more about the Shelter’s Back-to-School needs, as well as drop off locations, please call 239-775-3862, ext. 235, or email jyoung@naplesshelter.org.

For more information about the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, programs and services, please call 239-775-3862, or visit the Shelter’s website 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