Gift wrap, paper confetti, bells, stockings and ribbons decorate the outside of boxes on gas station counters throughout Duluth. The boxes are collection points for donations to help victims of domestic violence get through the holidays.
The Social Work Student Association at the University of Wisconsin-Superior is raising holiday money for families at Safe Haven Shelter in Duluth. The group placed its boxes at gas stations in Duluth on Wednesday.
The boxes will sit at the stores' registers though Dec. 19, when the students will use the money to buy gifts for women and children at the shelter.
When victims of domestic violence leave an abusive situation, they often leave with nothing, said Ed Heisler, volunteer and education coordinator at Safe Haven Shelter.
"It can be really difficult to be at the shelter during the holiday season," he said.
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"We greatly appreciate what the Social Work Student Association members are doing, and it's going to be a big deal for the women and children who are staying at the shelter this year."
A social work professor donated wood for the boxes, and association members built them last week.
The organization's president, Diana Tinsley, and her children decorated the boxes at her home. Each box is accompanied by a letter describing what the contributions support.
Tinsley learned about life in a shelter while working for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse in Superior for the past year, so the association chose to sponsor a holiday fundraiser for abuse victims.
Families suffering from domestic violence aren't always in the public eye, but they struggle during the holiday season, Tinsley said. Women fleeing domestic violence aren't able to go to holiday parties, and aren't always able to provide presents for their families, Tinsley said.
Association members also hope to raise community awareness about child abuse and domestic violence. "People don't think it's as prevalent as it is," said Raeanne Esala, association member.
The student association does projects throughout the school year benefiting community members affected by poverty. The group includes five officers, nine student advisers and all social work majors at UWS.
Members decided this donation drive would bring the community and local businesses together in supporting domestic violence victims, Tinsley said.
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D&C Gas and Convenience conducts some national donation drives for March of Dimes and Light the Night. This local drive was for a good cause at a good time of year, said Cathy Letourneau, owner. "If people see the boxes, even if they don't donate, they could be reminded about child abuse," she said.
For anyone who doesn't get to Duluth but would like to donate, Safe Haven has a holiday wish list available on its Web site at www.safehavenshelter.org/wishlist.html .
