A Way to Create a Brighter Tomorrow from Domestic Violence.

Long summer days are sadly finally over. To be honest, I’m relieved, it was so hot here in New York. They always say New York has two seasons winter and summer. They are separated, maybe, if we are lucky with a couple of weeks of spring and fall, some would even say days!

It is a time where we start to change our wardrobes from happy, lightweight t-shirts shorts and cool dresses to our warmer, rather more snugly sweaters and boots. We dig through our clothes, that might not have seen daylight for a good six months. Now, I don’t know if I’m alone here, but apparently, my clothes decided to shrink during their hibernation… Either that or… hmm.

Anyway, they have decided not to fit me anymore, which is a shame as some, like

jeans, are practically new! I could bag them up and put them out by the curb for the garbage men to pick up, or take them to a thrift store. Then it struck me, it’s October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, why not donate them to a shelter?

So many domestic violence shelters are looking for donations of all types, not just money. They accept what they call Donations in Kind.

Here on Long Island is a charity, Brighter Tomorrows that helps women, men and children after domestic violence with shelter, counselling, education, court advocacy, re-entry programs etc and it is looking for all types of things to be donated;

Stand Up Freezer, Refrigerator and File Cabinets.

Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Diaper Genie, High Chair, Pack & Play, Child Safety Locks for Cabinets.

Cleaning Supplies of Brooms, Mops, Mop Buckets, Paper Towels, Tissues

Toiletries like Sanitary Napkins/Tampons, Hand Sanitizer, Over the Counter Medications (must be sealed)

Gift Cards.

Children’s Clothing & Undergarments, Women’s Clothing & Undergarments, Coats

Bath Towels, Blankets, Twin Bedding, Crib Bedding.

Cooking Supplies i.e. Pots & Pans.

Twin Beds, Dressers, Ends Tables, Chairs, Kitchen Tables, Kitchen Chairs.

Office Desks

Computers (for children’s homework)

So, my question is: Did your clothes decide to shrink in hibernation too? What were you planning on doing with them? If you have a small package that could be sent in the mail, even if it’s a gently used bra or children’s clothes, would you be willing to mail it to me? I will collect the clothes and donate them to the shelter on your behalf. If you want to send a note, I will include it in your package, so they know where the kindness and love came from. Or if you wish you can send them directly, just contact Isabel McDuffie, Residential Assistant and Resource Coordinator, at 631-395-1801 or isabelm@brightertomorrowsinc.org

We might not be able to make huge changes in the domestic violence laws this October but we might be able to make someone’s life a little brighter after surviving abuse, after finding the huge amount courage and strength and to leave, for making the decision to create a safer life not only for themselves but for their children. Your one once loved sweater, bra, jeans might be loved again for the price of postage.