TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Shower To Benefit Abused Spouses

ADVERTISEMENT

By B.C. MANION

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

LUTZ - Helping the victims of spouse abuse is nothing new for the Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club.

They hold a "Spouse Abuse Shower" every year to collect food, diapers, clothing and hygiene items for the survivors of spouse abuse and their children.

But the woman's club can only do so much on its own, said Auralee Buckingham.

It needs the community to pitch in, if it is really going to make a difference for the people being helped by The Spring of Tampa Bay, Inc., the Salvation Army of Pasco County and Sunrise of Dade City, Buckingham said.

The woman's club will be receiving donations from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Aug. 14 at the Lutz Community Center, 98 1st Ave. N.W.

The abused families need food stuffs, such as rice, potatoes and canned foods. They also need large and extra large diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, soap and laundry detergent. Cosmetics and personal hygiene items also are welcome.

Good used women's clothing and children's clothing up to size 12 also are welcome, Buckingham said. New children's socks and underwear are also needed.

The woman's club brings in good used clothing and conducts a sale among club members, with proceeds benefiting the three agencies. The clothing that isn't purchased also is donated to the organizations.

"I've spent a lot of time in these shelters," Buckingham said. Many of these women don't have families in the area that can help them.

Leaving an abusive home can be difficult because many of the women are worried about being able to provide what their children need, Buckingham said.

The charitable agencies need all of the help they can get, she said.

She said she always asks their representatives: "What are your most critical needs?

"It's always diapers and toilet paper - the most basic things," Buckingham said.

Besides dropping off donations, the public is welcome to purchase a $5 lunch, Buckingham said.

The lunch will consist of a chicken dish Buckingham is preparing, accompanied by Phyllis Hoedt's potato salad, green beans, a roll and dessert.

Reporter B.C. Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT