Victims find relief in group’s goodwill

Hope Unlimited is striving to make the holidays a little more merry for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault by making Christmas gifts available to them through its annual Holiday Hope Shoppe.
“Sometimes Santa just needs a little extra help,” said Donita Garner, child advocacy center coordinator for Hope Unlimited. “After families have had to leave their homes and set up new households, there often is little money left to buy gifts. Especially with the price of fuel, utilities, groceries and rent.”
“Some families relocate to the Iola shelter from another county and find that they have missed the deadline for community programs to provide gifts for their children at Christmas. Without our Holiday Hope Shoppe these children wouldn’t receive any holiday gifts,” said Dorothy Sparks, Hope Unlimited’s director.
The Giving Tree, a decorated Christmas tree, welcomes visitors as they enter Hope Unlimited. Donations of toys for the Holiday Hope Shoppe and paper goods as well as canned goods may be placed under the tree for use at the shelter.
The shop, which give men, women and children the 
opportunity to select gifts for the holidays, is stocked solely through public donations.
“We ask that donated gifts are gently used or new,” Garner said.
Typical gifts that women select include toys, clothing and blankets for their children. Some choose board games that the whole family can enjoy.
“Last year a mother and her children came in and the little boy spied a basketball. I took him for cocoa and cookies so his mom could get the basketball for his gift,” Garner said.
Some people will choose toilet paper, shampoo, diapers, toothbrushes or dental cream when they come to the shop.
“Whereas many people wouldn’t consider the necessities of life as gifts, for the person who can’t afford to buy them, they are,” Garner said.
Gifts are needed for women, such as pajamas or personal care products for children to choose for their mothers.
The Shoppe also needs gifts for infants through age 18.
“It is often hard to find gifts to have on hand for adolescents,” Garner said. “If anyone would like to donate movie passes, DVDs, CDs or jewelry, those would be wonderful gifts for teens.”
Boys seem to gravitate to small fishing poles, Hot Wheels and all kinds of balls. Little girls want Barbies, make-up kits and hairbands.
The Holiday Hope Shoppe also servers a dual purpose.
“Sometimes clients need to talk but are hesitant in coming back in. The shop gives them an opportunity to sit around the table and chat about their current situations,” Garner said.
For additional information about the Holiday Hope Shoppe call Garner at Hope Unlimited at (620) 365-7566.