Submitted by Zonta Club of South Puget Sound
On December 9, 2017 the Zonta Club of South Puget Sound (ZSPZ) sponsored a holiday coat giveaway to benefit individuals and families served by several non-profit organizations. The event was held at the SafePlace Community Service Center.
According to Carolyn Woodling, ZSPS project chair, “Coats, jackets, and accessories allow ZSPS and local organizations to meet pressing needs in our own community, including providing warm garments to families whose budgets don’t include new winter wear. We send a big thank to everyone who contributed to this important work. You are truly making a difference to families who are affected by gender-based violence and who are rebuilding their lives.”
This event bookends Zonta of South Puget Sound’s involvement with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism focusing gender-based violence. It began on Nov 25 with an event in the Capitol Rotunda and concluded on Dec 10, Human Rights Day. Women’s Rights ARE Human Rights.
“We’re so grateful to the Zonta Club of South Puget Sound for putting all of this together,” said Sarah Lloyd, Executive Director of SafePlace. “We also want to extend our thanks to the Lucky Eagle Casino for bringing coffee and snacks for people to enjoy when they arrived. It was a fun and festive day bringing people together to support our community.”
Sarah continued, “We always have a need for warm winter coats and jackets at our emergency shelter. People often arrive with almost nothing and this was a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to get what they need to stay warm and dry.”
About SafePlace: SafePlace has been serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence since 1981. Programs include 24-hour help line, emergency shelter, support groups, sexual assault medical exam advocacy, legal advocacy and in-person advocacy, all of which can be provided in the survivor’s native language. Contact us at 360-786-8754 or on the web at www.SafePlaceOlympia.org. To speak to an advocate anytime day or night, call 360-754-6300.
