Clothing drive will assist St. Francis’ Sexual Assault Program

A new clothing drive, sponsored by the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women, will assist the St. Francis Center program for women and children who have been victims of sexual assault. The drive is part of the commission’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities.

Photo via The Record
A fresh set of new clothes makes a big
difference for women dealing with assault.

“We are asking the community to come together and assist individuals and families who have been victimized by sexual assault,” Freeholder James F. Lacey, commission liaison, stated in a press release. “For victims of violent crime, a fresh, clean set of clothes can be the first step towards healing,” he added.

New women’s clothing needed for the St. Francis Sexual Abuse and Assault Program includes sweatpants, sports bras and underpants of all sizes. New children’s sweatshirts, sweatpants, underwear and socks are also requested. Members of St. Francis will distribute the items through local emergency rooms.

Donations will be accepted throughout April and can be dropped off at a number of different locations, including Causeway Family of Dealerships in Manahawkin, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; Family Resource Center at The Ocean Club in Stafford Township, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; H & R Block in Tuckerton, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; Ocean County Southern Service Center in Manahawkin, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; and at St. Francis Community Center in Long Beach Township during center hours.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Ocean County Library's participating branches, including the Long Beach Island branch in Surf City as well as the Brick Township, Manchester Township, Toms River and Upper Shores branches.

Other drop-off points include the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Ocean County Administration Building and Ocean County Department of Human Services in Toms River as well as at Ocean Mental Health Services in Bayville.

“I want to thank all those agencies that are hosting a new clothing drop-off location for this very important event,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Human Services. “By working together we can also raise awareness that help is available.”

For more information, contact Marie-Elena Sodeikes of the Women’s Commission or Terri Battaglio of the Ocean County Department of Human Services at 732-506-5374.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.