CRESTVIEW — The SHINE – Serving, Helping, Inspiring Nurturing and Encouraging −women’s ministry of Woodlawn Baptist Church is doing their part in supporting October’s National Domestic Violence Awareness month.
“We wanted to help raise awareness within the Christian community about this epidemic that is hurting so many of our families,” SHINE Director Renee Christopher stated in an email.
“The statistics of 1 in 4 women being affected by domestic violence is extremely troubling and as a women’s ministry group we felt led by God to offer support through prayer and a donations drive,” Christopher stated.
Throughout October, the ministry is collecting items for Shelter House of Northwest Florida, a nonprofit organization which assists victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
In addition to providing temporary shelter, the organization offers a 24-hour hotline, counseling and other free supportive services for victims and their families.
The organization is currently looking for assistance as it remodels and expands the shelter facility.
Michelle Sperzel, Shelter House executive director, said the remodel is due to the facility’s age and the number of people it serves.
“We have definitely seen an increase over the years,” Sperzel said.
Sperzel said more than 2,000 individuals, mainly consisting of women and children, have utilized the facility within the last four years.
She also said that the facility is often working at full capacity in filling the shelter’s 25 beds; the remodel would increase that number to 32.
The reason as to why the shelter remains so busy? Sperzel thinks that more people are learning about the organization and the services it offers. She said the increased area population could also be factor.
The organization is currently seeking monetary donations for the remodel, which is scheduled to be completed by March, Sperzel said.
The SHINE organization is collecting items posted on the Shelter House wish list. The shelter accepts donations of food, baby items, cleaning products, linens and unopened personal care products.
Sperzel said the organization is very thankful for the ministry’s contributions and the continued support from the community.
“We are fortunate and blessed to be able to help the women (and children) in our area,” she said.
WANT TO DONATE?
Collection bins for Shelter House of Northwest Florida are located within the main office of Woodlawn Baptist Church at 824 North Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sidebar:
Shelter House Wish List
Monetary:Monetary gifts support the services we offer to survivors of domestic violence
Food:non-perishable, macaroni and cheese, frozen foods, cold food items (meat, milk, eggs, etc.)
Paper Supplies:paper towels, toilet paper, zip lock bags, trash bags (30 gallon and kitchen sizes)
Linens:bath mats, bath towels, twin and queen size sheets, twin and queen size mattress pads, pillowcases, new pillows
Baby items:diapers (especially large sizes), Pull-Ups, training pants, wipes
Cleaning Products:laundry soap, dryer sheets, disinfectants, dishwashing soap, vacuums
Personal care items (unopened):shampoo/conditioner, women’s deodorant, feminine hygiene products, tooth brushes, toothpaste, full size mouth wash, hairbrushes, sponges, bleach, ethnic hair product
Gift Cards:gas cards, grocery and discount stores
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Church collecting donations for local womenÂ’s shelter