Helping Women in Need One Donation at a Time

If it weren't for some people's volunteerism and efforts to help others, our local communities would not have some of the wonderful resources and support that we have. Locally, there is network of volunteers who donate their valuable time as well as gently used and new items to the Gracious Giving Network (GGN). The GGN was started by Lynne & Bill Wilkinson as a way to help local battered women who are making the transition from a shelter to a home of their own. Many of the women who come to the shelters have nothing and although material goods cannot soothe their emotional and physical scars, having a kitchen table, kitchen supplies, a bed to sleep on, towels, clothing for their children and basic necessities can give them some comfort. The GGN works in conjunction with the Abuse and Rape Crisis Shelter of Warren County to help mothers and their children get the items they need to get set up in a permanent home.

Lynne & her husband started the GGN after trying to donate a couch to a local shelter. The shelter's director was thrilled with their generosity but explained that they would not be able to accept the items since they had no way to store or deliver the items. Instead of just accepting that answer, they offered to deliver the couch themselves. Lynne recalls, "When we arrived, we realized that the Mother and her young son were sleeping on the floor with no furnishings. It was such a powerful experience, we then called the shelter back and told them that we would like to continue to help out more families in the future. The idea of helping single mothers is something that Bill deeply cares about. He was raised by a single mother and if it wasn't for friends and family that helped them from time to time he would have had a very different life. He sees himself as proof that these moms can succeed and encourages them to focus on their kids and themselves and they will be successful."

The GGN is in greatest need of furniture items for the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. For a list of other items to donate please see the attached "Wish List". When a family is ready to move out of the shelter, Lynne & Bill spring into action. The Mom fills out a "wish list" of necessities and then Lynne emails her list of donors and request that they forward the "wish list" to their friends and family. Lynne logs in any donations into her database then coordinates the pickups based on the location of the donor and then she schedules the delivery of the items to the moms. Since many of the families move on short-notice, Bill is the one who delivers the items, but, "we encourage any donor that would like to see where their donations are going to come along with us. It can be a powerful experience for adults and children alike." Donations are tax deductible and the Abuse and Rape Crisis Shelter of Warren County will send you a receipt for your items.

If you'd like to donate to the GGN, please include a list of the items you are willing to donate, when they will be available, and when you must be rid of them. They do accept monetary donations and funds are used to purchase additional items for the moms. Most of these women are on governmental assistance for their housing and food. Food stamps only allow you to purchase food. No toiletries, personal care items, children's OTC medications, or consumables can be purchased with food stamps. Below is a listing of additional items that can be donated or purchased with a monetary donation:

Toiletries Kit - Lotion, Shampoo, Conditioner, Bar Soap, Liquid Hand Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrush (children and adult), Toothpaste (children and adult)

Medicine Kit - Children's Tylenol/Advil, Cough & Cold, Allergy, Adult Tylenol/Advil, Band Aids, Antibiotic Ointment, Thermometer, Qtips

Consumables Kit - Paper towels, Paper Napkins, Toilet Paper, Ziploc bags, Trash bags

Cleaning Kit - Laundry basket, Laundry Soap and Softener/sheets, Dish Detergent, Mop, Broom, All Purpose Cleaners, Disinfectants, Bleach, Dust Pan, Trash Can, Cleaning Rags and sponges, rubber gloves

Tool Kit - Hammer, Flat and Phillips Screw Driver, Pliers, Picture Hanging Supplies, Tape, Glue, Flashlight, Batteries

Grocery Cards

The GGN has been going strong for over seven years but they would like to do more. Many times they have to turn down donations for larger furniture items since they do not have sufficient storage space for the items. The Wilkinson's garage can only store so many things at one time. If any local business has any unused warehouse space that they could donate to the GGN, please contact Lynne & Bill at blmkc@cinci.rr.com.

Lynne not only tirelessly keeps the GGN going, but she's also a Mom to three daughters (ages 11, 7, & 5 years). She's a Girl Scout troop leader and enjoys scrapbooking, playing the piano, making homemade ice cream and desserts, going to the zoo and just relaxing. When I asked Lynne if there was anything else she'd like to share she said, "I would like to encourage your readers to get involved with helping those less fortunate people in our community. It really gives you a perspective of what is important in life." I think this sentence sums up why Lynne Wilkinson is a great addition to MasonMetu's Woman to Watch series. Please think about helping the Gracious Giving Network in the future.

Sources:
Lynne Wilkinson
Ohio Domestic Violence Statistics
Abuse & Rape Crisis Center of Warren County