It’s (Almost) the Holiday Season: Adopt-A-Child through My Sister’s Place
by Sara Swabb
What do you do to prepare for the Holiday season? Purchase gifts for loved ones and finalize your travel plans? Find the best ingredients for that pumpkin pie you cook each year?
While many folks in the District are able to think along the same lines as you, there are thousands of families in the Greater D.C. community that will go without necessities, much less the exchange of gifts, this winter.
I know this is news to none of you. But there is a way you can help!
How Can I Help?
My Sister’s Place is soliciting volunteers to adopt a child or parent for the holiday season fulfill Holiday Wish Lists for these children. Volunteers will be provided shopping list to provide a winter coat, hat, gloves, one outfit, shoes, socks, underwear/diapers, pajamas, a toy from the child’s wish list and a book.
What Is My Sister’s Place?
My Sister’s Place is the largest and oldest non-profit agency exclusively serving battered women and their children in the D.C. area and the Junior League of Washington (JLW) has supported their work since the 1970’s. Every year, thousands of victims of domestic violence find sanctuary from abuse in its residential programs and supportive services.
Who Gets the Gifts I Buy?
The JLW volunteers host a Holiday Party for the domestic violence survivors and their children, who will receive the gifts. The gifts that the JLW brings each year truly brighten the holiday season for these women and children.
How Much Will This Cost Me?
Volunteers who shop smart can fulfill the wish list for $100-$125. My Sister’s Place is also collecting $50 Visa and retail store gift cards to provide to the women in My Sister’s Place’s emergency domestic violence shelter.
Whom Do I Contact to Help?
If you are interested in lending a hand and adopting a child, please email the My Sister’s Place chair, Jackie Paranzino, mysistersplacechairjlw@gmail.com, by Friday, November 29, 2013. Late responses will be accepted if possible.
When and Where Do I Take My Gifts?
All donations must be received at JLW Headquarters by Friday, December 6th, 2013.