2 weeks Ago
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Aslan Godfrey, co-manager of the Domestic Violence Outreach Office for Project Celebration, recalled the story of a woman in the organization's shelter who didn't speak much English but was taken on a shopping trip for items including beauty and cleaning products. "It was her first opportunity to finally have something that was hers," Godfrey remembered, mentioning a specific loofah sponge decorated with the face of a Disney character, chosen by the woman. "It was so sweet and special in that moment, because she picked out something that was so mundane, and all she could say was 'This is mine.
' " That type of product, from shampoo to detergent to body soap, covered the conference table at the Caddo District Attorney's Office on Thursday as the agency displayed donated items from its Purple Box Campaign, sponsored alongside Shreve Memorial Library. All of the products, along with a check for approximately $300 from a recent fundraiser, were presented to Project Celebration. "What you see on the table is from a corroboration of citizens from all different types of groups in this parish who recognize how important it is to help survivors of domestic violence," Caddo District Attorney James Stewart said.
"Over the next few weeks, over the holidays, we're going to present these things we take for granted on a day-to-day basis, so they can rebuild their lives." Purple boxes were placed in Shreve Memorial Library locations through October for donations of toiletry items by members of the public. The donations are intended for victims who've fled domestic violence situations, leaving belongings in the process.
"These things, as I look in the baskets and see the lotions and the mirrors and even the cloth, there are just so many things that are going to impact the women significantly," Godfrey said..
