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Making Exceptions for Exceptional Gifts

by Shanya Luther

We have experienced a tremendous change in our agency in the past year. It all started when we realized we needed to say “No, thank you” to some donations from the community. Now, in the world of non-profits, this is just something you don’t do. You never, ever, turn away something someone is offering you for free. Even the press plays its part; a recent headline encouraged readers to donate their junk to charities. As a result, in the world of non-profits many agencies receive and end up storing piles of items they or their clients don’t need and can’t use.

We were in that situation at this time last year, when finally we realized it just make no sense for us to be paying for storage of things our clients or we didn’t need. So we started making a list of the things we do need and only accepting those items. And then we created the Survivor Empowerment Fund. We accept gift certificates and gift cards for food, clothing, shoes, hair cuts, gas cards, etc. and then pass them on to our clients in need. We track how they get used and who they are given to so we can report back to donors where their gifts went. It has been an extremely successful service program, and we are happy to say that it is going strong. A year later, our supportive donors call us ahead of time and ask what we need, or if we need what they have, which helps us tremendously!

In the midst of this streamlined process, it would seem there’s no room for exceptions. But the truth is, there are always things we didn’t think of that can help our clients in their times of need. Take for instance a call I received last month from a woman wanting to donate a free mammogram to a survivor. There is also a donor who solicits free tickets to the zoo every summer for children in our programs.  Two community groups quilt pillow cases and blankets for clients in shelter. And one of our partner agencies wants to fix up donated cars to give back to survivors trying to get on their feet.
It is these kinds of exceptional gifts that keep us surprised and humbled by this community’s thoughtfulness and generosity. You continue to demonstrate to the survivors we serve that the residents, businesses, and organizations of Washington County care about supporting and empowering those affected by domestic violence. Thank you!