Volunteers enjoy making Crystal Cards.
Volunteers make and sell Crystal Cards to raise money for My Sister’s Place, a shelter for those escaping domestic violence. At the January 23 work session, Joyce Chadwell, a director at My Sister’s Place, visited to thank the group for their generosity and shared many stories about the positive impact the donations have had.
The needs of those fleeing domestic violence are many, and the programs at My Sister’s Place try to address the full spectrum of needs. The monies donated are often used to help replace birth certificates and driver’s licenses and other essential documents held by the abuser to assure control. These replacements allow children to enroll in a new school and parents to find a job. Monies are also used help provide school clothing and backpacks for kids. This year, each family was provided money for some Christmas presents that would otherwise be unaffordable.
In addition, donations have been used to help equip the shelter with appliances that make life easier for the residents as they transition to a new life. Crystal Card donations have allowed them to buy two new commercial washing machines and a new dryer as well as a new freezer. These are important for a multifamily dwelling that houses and feeds up to 15 families at any one time. Laundry and meal preparation (done by the residents themselves) are nearly constant operations. Having heavy-duty working equipment is a bonus appreciated by both residents and staff.
My Sister’s Place has been in operation since the mid-1980s and is affiliated with the Catholic Charities which provides funding for operations including the shelter, staff and basic supplies.
The Crystal Card volunteers were inspired by both Joyce and the work that is being done at My Sister’s Place. Joyce’s visit helped to show the volunteers that they are making a real difference in the lives of these moms and their children.
There are three ways you can help. Donate cards at the donation bins in each Sun Lakes clubhouse. Help make cards at an upcoming work session (next session is March 27 in the Ceramics Room at Cottonwood). Buy cards at one of many sales events (March 21 and 22 in the Bradford Room at the Oakwood clubhouse from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
See our website, www.thecrystalcardproject.org, for more detailed information.