We are excited to launch a new Holiday Gift Card Drive benefiting women and children at Family Promise and victims of sexual and domestic violence at Safe Avenues.
Why a Gift Card Drive?
We've decided on this year-end drive because of the conversations we've had with our local partner organization, Safe Avenues. The staff at Safe Avenues works directly with victims of sexual exploitation so they understand how exploitation impacts friends and neighbors here in the community.
These conversations have also brought to light the importance of providing trauma informed care to victims of exploitation as well as domestic and sexual violence survivors. It's critical that those in need receive help in a way that doesn't further traumatize them. Providing gift cards for basic needs will help Safe Avenues and Family Promise better assist families in crisis in a way that protects them with a trauma-informed care approach.
The pandemic has also brought a surge in requests for help. Family Promise has been at full capacity since the pandemic started and several Family Promise churches are unable to take in families due to COVID-19. Safe Avenues has seen a 30% increase in calls for assistance in domestic and sexual violence situations.
The added calls for assistance are an opportunity for us to step up as a community and help out those in need this holiday season.
How Will My Donation Help?
A typical household can budget for most things – clothing, school supplies, vacations and even unpredictable adversities like car repairs or medical emergencies – but a family in crisis can barely afford the daily essentials. Your donation will help provide for a local family in need this holiday season. Plus, if you choose to buy gift cards for local businesses, your donation will also help out some of the amazing businesses in our community.
What Type of Gift Cards?
A variety of gift cards are welcome. Some ideas include:
Groceries
Gas
Pharmacies
Walmart
Target
Local businesses
Are There Other Ways to Help?
Family Promise is also looking for a few donated items in addition to gift cards.
If you have gently used or new clothing, or baby and child equipment such as car seats and swings, these can be given to New 2 You thrift store and you can request that they be used for Family Promise.
When Does the Drive Start?
Our Holiday Gift Card Drive starts November 18, 2020, and will run through December 31, 2020.
Where Do I Send the Gift Cards?
Please mail gift cards to:
Willmar Area Community Foundation
1601 Hwy 12 East, Suite 9
Willmar MN 56201
Our amazing staff at WACF will coordinate with our Women's Fund members to distribute the gift cards.
Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!
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