Domestic violence takes a terrible toll on victims and their families, but is especially pronounced at this time of year.  While physical and emotional abuse are at the forefront of a family’s anguish during the holiday season, these families face the painful reality of economic hardship as well.  When a relationship crumbles, the victim is often left with no access to money or income and it becomes increasingly difficult to provide their children’s most basic needs.  So we are particularly grateful for the considerate and generous community that reaches out to help those less fortunate than themselves by donating clothes, toys, household goods and more to help our clients get through an otherwise difficult experience with dignity and a modicum of good cheer.

Hillsborough High School Interact Club members show off some of the donated gifts in the Holiday Gift Shop

Since the Resource Center of Somerset moved into our offices in Hillsborough in 1996, our conference room has been transformed into a Holiday Gift Shop and is stocked with donations that allow our clients to make holiday gift selections for their families.  Children can “shop” for a special holiday present for Mom and siblings and those important to them.  Of course, all gifts selected are provided at no charge to our client’s families.

Friends of the Shelter members Marlene Foley (left) and Terry Thompson (right) deliver gifts to the Resource Center staff.

The Shop is decorated for the holidays by students from the Hillsborough High School Interact Club and the inventory is donated by community groups, corporate supporters and caring individuals and families who want to share their goodwill by providing for others.  The Friends of the Shelter, an all-volunteer organization of women who share a commitment to assist victims of domestic abuse through their support of the Resource Center, this season were able to purchase an array of household gifts with a special discount provided by Bed, Bath and Beyond.

A wonderful selection of household gifts to help families get back on their feet.

Donations begin to arrive in early December  when donors schedule drop off times with the reception office.

Ray “the Prize Guy” Handel (in truck) and his assistant from NJ radio 101.5 FM deliver gifts for 25 families through our Adopt-a-Family program to Safe House Manager Sue Rivera (on right)

The Holiday Gift Shop is one of several holiday gift programs sponsored by the Resource Center of Somerset.  The Adopt-a-Family program allows a donor supporter to fill a complete wish list of gifts to a client family.  This year, over 80 families were part of our program.  NJ radio station 101.5 FM has adopted 25 families in conjunction with their listeners.

The 2010 Dove Ornament is available while supplies last.

Our holiday donor program continues with our end of the year donation appeal.  Donors contributing $100 or more will receive our specially designed brass-plated dove ornament as a token of our appreciation.  It’s one more way to brighten the holidays for everyone.