Holiday Store Seeks Donations for Children Impacted by Violence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, November 27, 2019 
CONTACT Brenda Kinoshita, Cell 971-235-4203;
Email: brendak@cwsor.org
Oregon City, OR (November 27, 2019) —This holiday season, The Angels in the Outfield will host a Holiday Store for domestic and sexual violence survivors, and children impacted by crime. Holiday Store is an annual tradition offered to survivors and their children during the holiday season. Historically provided by Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS), The Angels in the Outfield and CWS are collaborating for a second year to support even more families.
Holiday Store provides new gifts for survivors at no cost. The holidays can be difficult for survivors of violence, many of whom are struggling to find safety and shelter, navigating court systems and challenging family dynamics, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and holiday spirit for their children. Holiday Store takes the stress and financial burden off of survivors and allows them to provide gifts for their children. Unlike other types of holiday giving, Holiday Store allows parents themselves to select from among donated gifts, giving survivors a renewed sense of empowerment and ownership that reaffirms their role as provider within their family.
“Holiday Store helps during the holidays because it allows survivors to be normal parents again and enjoy the holidays, which they may have not had the opportunity to do for a very long time. Often finances can be tight after people flee an abusive relationship and Holiday Store can really relieve that pressure of choosing whether to pay a utility bill or buy a holiday gift,” Angie Drake, CWS Shelter and Housing Program Manager, said, “Survivors experience so much isolation and Holiday Store is a way we can communicate to survivors that they have a whole big community of people behind them cheering for them and supporting them.”
Clackamas Women’s Services first reached out to The Angels in the Outfield about the project because of shared missions to help vulnerable populations in Clackamas County. Through their combined efforts, Holiday Store helped 173 families, with 440 children receiving gifts from the store last December. This partnership not only increased the number of families served, it has also rallied local civic groups and businesses to come together to support children affected by domestic violence, crime, and child abuse.
“Words can’t adequately express the gratitude we feel for this community and the support they provide for our kids. These children, through no fault of their own, are victims of unimaginable circumstances. The Holiday Store donations provide hope, joy and encouragement for their futures in the form of a Christmas book, a fun toy or a new winter coat. It takes a village of givers and volunteers, and Angels in the Outfield has certainly got one!” said Julie Peters, Angels in the Outfield Treasurer.
To bring joy to families this holiday season, your organization, family, or group can collect new toys to be given to families in need at Holiday Store. Information on how to make a donation and volunteer can be found on The Angels in the Outfield website www.theangelsintheoutfield.org. Donations can be dropped off at any of The Angels in the Outfield drop off locations before December 14th.
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About Clackamas Women’s Services
The mission of Clackamas Women’s Services is to break the isolation of domestic and sexual violence. CWS was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’ service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote safety and self-determination. Participants in their programs receive no-cost services by highly trained staff with advanced expertise. The 24-hour crisis line is 1-888-654-2288. To learn more, please visit https://www.cwsor.org/.
About The Angels in the Outfield
The Angels in the Outfield is a non-profit organization seeking to brighten the lives of children who have been impacted by crime or child abuse. Their mission is to promote healing, happiness, and safety of children through the generosity of their contributors. Services provided to each child are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on each child’s specific needs. To learn more, please visit https://www.theangelsintheoutfield.org/.