The HUGS (Help Us Get Safe) club, here at Oliver Ames, is hosting a fundraiser in support of local women struggling with domestic abuse from April 7th to April 30th. HUGS aims to raise funds through compiling hairbrushes from kindergarten, body lotion from the 1st grade, deodorant from the 2nd grade, shampoo from the 3rd grade, conditioner from the 4th grade, body wash from the 5th grade, toothbrushes from the 6th grade, socks from the 7th and 8th grades, lip balm from the 9th and 10th grades, and sunscreen from the 11th and 12th grades.
The drive is taking place before Mother’s Day in order to provide baskets for local mothers. Self care necessities are being donated for the population of women who cannot always afford these necessities. HUGS advisor and teacher at Oliver Ames, Mrs. Binney says that her goal for the drive is to bring recognition to the mothers in women’s shelters in our area.
“From my perspective, our goal is to make sure all mothers are celebrated and recognized on mother’s day. These self-care baskets go to women’s shelters in our area and are a great way to show admiration for the mothers in our community,” Mrs. Binney said.
HUGS has done similar fundraisers in the past such as the Calendar Fundraiser this year and this same Mother’s Day fundraiser last year. Member of HUGS, Rebecca Curtin said that HUGS has had success reaching out to the younger audience but the older audience has always had more trouble.
“I think we had a lot of success reaching out and getting a response from the younger grades, especially RO, but have found it more challenging to get that reciprocation from the high school,” Curtin said.
HUGS is working hard to gain more supplies for the Mother’s Day Baskets. As domestic abuse is becoming a more talked about subject in society, many are looking to help the victims. President of HUGS, Jackie Verde says through using their resources, HUGS is able to provide basic living necessities to women in need.
“While we are not directly raising funds or money through this fundraiser, we are using our resources to collect items that will benefit women’s shelters. Now more than ever, it is very difficult for shelters to provide people with basic living necessities, this donation drive is here to help that,” Verde said.
