Center for Family Justice has holiday ‘wish list’
The Bridgeport-based Center for Family Justice — which offers shelter and other services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence — has released a “wish list” of items that clients will need this holiday season.
Those interested in donating can look through the list below and contact the center’s community relations manager, Beth Fitzpatrick, with any questions at 203-334-6154, Ext. 128, or BFitzpatrick@ CenterforFamilyJustice.org.
Gift cards from stores: Wal-Mart, Target, Stop and Shop, CVS and Walgreens top the center’s holiday wish list, as they allow clients the gift of making decisions about things they need most. Gift cards in small denominations ($ 25 or less) are preferred.
Items for families: Donations of single-bed sheets, blankets, towels, pillows, shower curtains, writing journals, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, activity and coloring books, backpacks and school supplies are all needed for clients of our Kathie’s Place Safe House. Toys are appreciated, too. Consider donating new items which have broad appeal to children of all ages and genders such as Mr. Potato Heads, board games, puzzles and Lego and block sets.
Household goods: These include brooms, mops, cleaning supplies, batteries, 100-watt light bulbs, laundry detergent and softener.
Apparel for young children and toddlers: The center can only accept NEW apparel. Consider a purchase of a snowsuit, socks, hats, mittens, scarves, ear muffs, underwear (especially large sizes), sweatshirts and sweatpants that have no writing on the back of the pants. Useful baby items include diapers and Pull Ups of all sizes (especially size 5 and 6), formula, baby food, diaper rash ointment, baby powder, wipes, Q-tips, blankets and crib sheets.
Personal care items: This includes travel or regular size shampoos and conditioners, soap, stain sticks, deodorant, toothbrushes, combs and hairbrushes, hand, body and face creams and hair dryers. Donations of all types of feminine hygiene products are especially appreciated.
Non-perishable food times: This includes nondairy creamer, coffee, tea, cocoa, cereal, soup, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, Hamburger Helper, juice, cereal, coffee and Thanksgiving sides.
Snacks: Center staff are always in need of quick, nutritious snacks they can offer to clients in crisis who often come to the door not having had a recent or decent meal. Items such as bagged popcorn, nuts, applesauce, granola bars, water bottles and juices as well as other snacks with a long shelf life are greatly ap- preciated.
The center is unable to accept used apparel or household items of any kind because of space and capacity issues.
The center also is looking for a small number of individuals or families interested in adopting a client or a client and their children in need of holiday cheer and gifts. Contact Fitzpatrick at BFitzpatrick@ CenterforFamilyJustice.org to learn more.