The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Forbes House seeks help making Christmas merry
Forbes House, Lake County’s only domestic violence shelter, is reaching out to the public for help in providing a Christmas for families who have suffered through domestic abuse.
The shelter is asking for volunteers and community members to help brighten the holiday for clients in need by assisting with the Holiday Family Adoption program through donations of warm clothing and food.
According to Susana Lara, family advocate for Forbes House, while clients are thankful for all of the items that are given, new clothing, winter coats, toys and gift cards are always good gifts to donate.
Additional information and gift suggestions can be found can be found on its website.
The gifts all benefit clients
who had to utilize the shelter’s services during the year whether by staying at the shelter or being a part of community counseling and support groups.
“The families are very grateful and kids are really appreciative of the gifts they receive,” Lara said. “It helps them have some normalcy during a time that has been painful and difficult due to domestic violence.”
Community members can help make Christmas merry for clients by adopting an individual or family through the Holiday Family Adoption Program or by simply donating items to Forbes House which will be distributed as needed, Lara said.
As the shelter is in an undisclosed location to protect the clients, shoppers
are advised to contact the Forbes House through its website, www.forbeshouse. org, or by calling 440-3577321 to arrange delivery of donations.
It is requested that all donated gifts be unwrapped when delivered to help make the sorting easier.
For those who would rather help in other ways, Lara suggested a financial donation to help support the Forbes House and its mission to empower families and individuals to end the cycle of domestic abuse.
In addition to helping provide domestic abuse families with Christmas gifts, the agency is also currently seeking volunteers. Volunteer opportunities or always available and can be structured to fit the talents of individuals who want to donate time or services.
“The families are very grateful and kids are really appreciative of the gifts they receive,” Lara said. “It helps them have some normalcy during a time that has been painful and difficult due to domestic violence.” — Susana Lara, family advocate for Forbes House
Those interested in volunteering can find an application and more information on the agency’s website or by sending an email to info@ forbeshouse.org.