Burlington County Commissioners partnering with Senator Singleton and Sheriff’s Department to collect items for domestic violence shelter

MOUNT HOLLY – The Burlington County Commissioners are teaming with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department to collect items for Catholic Charities Providence House Domestic Violence Services and the women and children the nonprofit helps shelter and support.

Burlington County Commissioners Felicia Hopson and Allison Eckel announced the donation drive on Wednesday, saying the May collections would provide residents and businesses with a way to assist Providence House and its mission.

“Domestic violence is heartbreaking and devastating and can inflict wounds that are both physical and mental,” said Hopson, who serves as the Commissioners’ liaison to the Department of Human Services. “As a society, we must continue to take steps to ensure that domestic violence is no longer overlooked or tolerated and that survivors are supported. This drive provides an avenue for our residents to help and we’re incredibly grateful to team with leaders like Senator Singleton and the Sheriff’s Department and the Sheriff’s Department to aid Providence House and those its mission supports.”

“Since 1978, Providence House has provided critical support and resources for domestic violence survivors and their children,” added Eckel, the Board’s liaison to the Department of Public Safety and Prosecutor’s Office. “Donating items is an easy way to help them and those they serve. Giving just a few items can help make the shelter a more comfortable place for survivors and their children.”

Providence House provides comprehensive and confidential services to individuals experiencing or impacted by domestic violence. The organization’s services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, advocacy, referrals and programs for children who have witnessed abuse.

This year marks the second consecutive year that the County has partnered with Singleton and the Sheriff’s Department to collect goods for the nonprofit. Last year’s drive collected more than 1,000 items for the nonprofit’s shelter and support programs.

“Domestic violence is a scourge on our society whose trauma has far reaching affects. However, it is gratifying to know that organizations like Providence House exist in Burlington County to help the victims and their children,” said Senator Singleton. “Our drive last year was a huge success so we’re once again asking our residents to come together to contribute items to help this wonderful organization support its mission.”

Burlington County Sheriff Anthony Basantis and Undersheriff Jim Kostoplis said they are proud to partner with Singleton and the Commissioners to assist Providence House.

“In just one day across the United States, nearly 75,000 people seek services from domestic violence programs and shelters,” said Kostoplis. “This is shocking and alarming, and we must continue to send a message that domestic violence and abuse in any form will not be tolerated. At the same time, we must also continue to aid organizations like Providence House that provide safe shelter and critical services that can help those who feel trapped in an abusive relationship escape.”

The donation drive kicked off this week and will continue through May 31. Between now and then the Commissioners will be collecting new items needed at the shelter. Requested items include:

• Individually wrapped snack foods – fruit cups, chips, pretzels, crackers, granola bars, etc.
• Microwaveable sides – rice, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese
• Tuna and chicken – canned or pouch
• Chef Boyardee pasta meals – canned or microwave cups
• Breakfast cereal
• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Diapers and Pull Ups – sizes 4, 5 and 6 only
• Children’s underwear – all sizes
• Infant and Child OTC medications – Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Mylicon Gas Relief Drops
• Drawstring bags
• Journals (for adults)
• Adult Coloring Books
• Individual packets of tissues

Items should be new and have tags attached and can be dropped off at donation boxes located at Burlington County offices and the Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton, as well as Senator Singleton’s legislative office in Moorestown (400 North Church Street, Suite 260).

“Providence House’s work is incredibly important, so we’re asking all our residents to consider purchasing a few of these requested items when they’re shopping to help the families Providence House assists and supports,” said Hopson.