Though Mother’s Day is intended to be a joyous occasion for women across the country, thousands of moms will be overlooked on this special holiday because they are forced to live in shelters as a result of domestic abuse or homelessness.
Heartbreaking statistics from the Domestic Violence Resource Center stats that one in every four women has experienced violence in an intimate relationship, every day three women are killed by their partners, and 74 percent of Americans know a victim of domestic violence. According to a national study from the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, approximately 25 percent of homeless women are homeless because of violence in the home.
To ensure moms in crisis receive the love and appreciation they deserve this Mother’s Day, Two Men and a Truck of Valparaiso is introduction the Movers for Moms collection drive to the local community to provide critical gifts to local women staying in community shelters this spring.
This is the first year that the Valparaiso moving company is working with local schools to collect essential and comfort items for women staying at The Caring Place. The drop-off locations are Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Flint Lake Elementary School, Valparaiso Christian Academy, and Two Men and a Truck.
The Caring Place is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving and providing support to the needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Established in 1977, The Caring Place provides a safe shelter, support groups, counseling and more to those in need.
Though this is Two Men and a Truck of Valparaiso’s first year hosting the Movers for Moms campaign, 2012 marks the fifth anniversary of the program. Since its introduction, the program has expanded to 24 states and more than 80 franchises. Last year was the program’s most successful year-to-date, with more than 65,000 items collected for donation to 50 shelters across 14 states. This year, Two Men and a Truck is seeking to collect more than 100,000 items for moms in need across the country.
In addition to its school partners, Two Men and Truck welcomes local businesses and organizations to join in the effort of brining relief and comfort to moms in need. Anyone interested in supporting local moms in need can visit www.twomenandatruck.com/moversformom to find the nearest participating Two Men and a Truck Franchise.
Follow Movers for Moms online at www.facebook.com/MoversforMoms or @MoversforMoms.
The Caring Place Wish List
- Gift cards from Wal-Mart, K-Mart, WiseWay, Target, Walgreens, Town & Country Market, Kohl's, and JC Penney, Michael's, VISA, Redbox, and Blockbuster Express
- Liquid Hand Soap
- Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags
- Spray Disinfectants
- Dishwasher Detergent (tablets)
- Notebooks
- Markers
- Loose Leaf Paper
- Two Pocket Folders
- Watercolor Paints
- Paper Plates
- Diapers (4, 5, 6)
- New Socks and Underwear
- Hair Brushes
- Cereal
- After School Snacks
- Used Cell Phones
- Towels
- Board Games
- Fabric Paint
- Alarm Clocks
- New Sweats
- New Bed Pillows