Teen shows how Sheltering Wings in Danville, Ind., helps young people avoid unhealthy relationships
Who: Sheltering Wings domestic violence shelter and prevention advocate
What: Christmas in July
When: July 1-14 is matching gift opportunity – new this year
July 1-31 is Wish List Donation Challenge
Why: To raise funds for survivors and community education
Special note: High school student successfully lobbies for new teen dating violence policy, thanks to community support
DANVILLE, Ind. (Jul. 7, 2020) – From July 1-14, every gift to the Sheltering Wings domestic violence shelter’s Christmas in July event will be matched dollar for dollar – the first time the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser has included a matching gift opportunity. And if teens on the shelter’s Youth Council have anything to say about it, some of those dollars will help prevent dating abuse among teens.
Take Annessa Callis, a Danville, Ind., high school student and member of the organization’s Youth Council. The Council comprises teen volunteers who work to educate their peers about intimate partner abuse. It’s the type of program funded through donations made – and this year matched – during Christmas in July.
When the Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention campaign urged teens to approach school administrators about a Teen Dating Violence Policy during the 2019-2020 school year, Callis was ready.
“This young lady set up a meeting with her principal and district superintendent and proposed ways that Danville Community School Corp. could partner with our Youth Council. DCSC became the first school corporation in Hendricks County to adopt a Teen Dating Violence Policy. Annessa was able to get this done because Sheltering Wings supporters help fund education and community outreach,” said Executive Director Cassie Mecklenburg. “We’re a good long-term investment.”
Donors can make a secure donation online at shelteringwings.org/christmas-in-july.
Meanwhile, the shelter is holding a Wish List Donation Challenge throughout the month. Sheltering Wings residents need towels, pillows, baby bottles, men’s shaving equipment, over-the-counter medicines and more. Then there are cleaning products and office supplies used by staff and residents alike. Mecklenburg said the shelter uses 20 rolls of toilet paper every day.
Groups are encouraged to collect items together. The group, church, business or club that donates the most items (by cubic feet) by July 31 will win a mid-summer visit from Santa. For safety, only brand-new items still in their packaging can be accepted. Items can be dropped off at Sheltering Wings or at the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA at 301 Satori Parkway in Avon.
The complete wish list is posted on the shelter’s website: shelteringwings.org/christmas-in-july.
Christmas in July is presented by Hendricks Regional Health.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul. 7, 2020
CONTACT
Kevin Carr, Communications and Church Relations Officer
(317) 386-5050 | kcarr@shelteringwings.org
Since 2002, Sheltering Wings has helped nearly 20,000 domestic abuse survivors take control of their lives. We offer emergency housing, life skills training, children’s services and community-based prevention and education in a welcoming, Christ-centered environment. Beginning in 2020, we can now house male victims as well as women and children. Start building a stable, independent life today. You deserve it.
