COVINGTON — Women's Crisis Center staff members know that planning for Christmas is possibly the last thing on a woman's mind when she and her children are in a shelter escaping an abusive situation.

        But children don't forget about Christmas, so the Crisis Center has established a Christmas Store to give moms the opportunity to “shop” for toys and other gifts.

Suzette Percival (left) and Sally Adams, volunteers at the Women's Crisis Center in Covington, wrap gifts for children who are staying in the center's facility with their mothers. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        “We operate in a constant crisis mode,” center Executive Director Mary Jo Davis said. “If a woman comes to us for shelter on Dec. 15, she isn't thinking about Christmas. We want to be certain her children still have a good holiday.”

        Staff members made a list of what mothers and children would need or want for Christmas, and then, working with Target and Toys R Us stores, put those items into a computer list similar to a bridal registry.

        “People wishing to donate a gift can go to any Tristate location of either store, call up the directory and see what is needed,” Ms. Davis said. “It can also be accessed online. It's easier on the staff and it's better for the donor because they won't have to come up with ideas for appropriate gifts.”

        The store, which started providing gifts for women and children Nov. 26 and will operate through Dec. 21, is well-stocked with all manner of toys, games and other gifts. But Ms. Davis said the need will be even greater as Dec. 25 draws closer.

        “What we have now will be gone in a few days,” she said. “We hope to see many more donors making purchases at the stores for us in the next few weeks. We will provide Christmas gifts for a woman and her children if they come to us on Dec. 24.”

        Suzette Percival drives from Loveland to Covington to work as a volunteer at the Center's Christmas Store.

        “We are definitely counting on replacements (gifts) closer to Christmas,” the 31-year-old New York City native and Ohio State University graduate said as she wrapped Monopoly game boxes.

        Ms. Percival, who said she spent six years in advertising sales but is now seeking a career change in the direction of nonprofit fund raising, said working as a volunteer at the Christmas Store is just what she needs.

        “I really love the work, and I'll go where I'm needed at the center,” she said. “We recently formed a Junior Board, comprised of young professional women, to assist the Crisis Center in fund-raising efforts.”

        To access the registry at Target, either at a store or online, type in keyword “Target,” then go to Lullaby Club, first name and last name both Women's Crisis Center. For Toys R Us, the keyword is “Toys R Us,” then Babys R Us, and same first and last name.

       For more information, call the Crisis Center at (859) 491-3335.
       
       
       

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