Collection receptacles in the lobbies of The Heritage Bank, Savannah Technical College’s Liberty Campus, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and CH2M are part of a 2016 Leadership Liberty Class project.
Class members decided to have a drive for non-perishable food and paper products for the Tri-County Protective Agency as a class project. Items will be accepted through June 10.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline said the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when she is leaving. As abusers sense that they are losing power, they often act to regain control over their victim. So a shelter can be a lifesaver for victims, and Tri-County provides that and more.
"Tri-County Protective Agency is an organization that is a godsend for so many women and children in our area," Leadership Liberty Class President Chris Ellison said. "However, due to the sensitive nature, their work often goes unnoticed in the community. The 2016 Leadership Liberty Class wanted to extend a helping hand and show our appreciation to a worthy cause. It is our humble opinion that there is no more worthy cause than Tri-County Protective Agency."
Tri-County provides a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter and assistance with getting furniture when the clients leave the shelter to start new lives.
The program also helps with utility bills and transportation during victims’ first few months out of the shelter. The staff also stays in contact with the victims and children for a year after they leave the shelter.
Leadership Liberty is providing financial donations from class members, and welcomes public donations of canned and non-perishable food, paper towels, feminine products, diapers and detergent.
Class Vice President Kathy Villafane said giving back to the community is important.
"We are honored to be able to assist the Tri-County Protection Agency," she said. "This organization helps the victims of domestic and family violence. As a group project, we know the importance of helping those in our community because it takes a village to raise a child, and sometimes we forget about the littlest victims."
To find out more information about the drive, call Ellison at 912-408-6151 or 1-800-624-6425, ext. 1068.