Donations on Giving Tuesday keep The Shelter for Abused Women & Children going

Reporter Erika Jackson

On The National Day of Giving, Americans come together to give back to their communities. This unofficial holiday takes place each year after on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.  And, on this day, The Shelter for Abused Women and Children discusses how much donations on Giving Tuesday and any other day mean to them.

Hundreds of women and children walk through the doors at the shelter each year. Linda Oberhaus is the CEO of the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. “Many of them have said, this is the safest they have ever felt coming into our shelter. So we’re all about transformation,” Oberhaus said.

These victims of domestic violence and human trafficking get free shelter, food, counseling, and financial help. Those are just a few of the many things the shelter provides so these women can rebuild their lives.

Linda Oberhaus says abuse can happen to anyone. “We refer to them as homegrown. They could be any girl in any neighborhood that’s preyed upon by a trafficker,” said Oberhaus.

Your neighborhood, best friend, or sister could be the next woman the receives help from the shelter. 65% of this nonprofit’s donations come from private donations. That’s why the organization needs help this Giving Tuesday.

“It’s never easy to be in a domestic violence center, especially during the holidays. But, if we really just focus on the fact that all the families who are with us, they’re safe today, and they’ll be saved through the holidays,” Oberhaus said.

The residents are now safe, and everyone at the shelter is grateful for the community’s generosity.

Giving Tuesday is designed to help all positive nonprofit organizations succeed in their fundraising missions. But, it’s essential to do your research on each organization before you decide to donate. The Better Business Bureau has tips to verify that your donations are going to the right place.