Laughter echoes throughout the Lutz Community Center, as women — some donning purple spray paint in their hair — settle in for some friendly games.
These women have come to a benefit, organized by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, to support Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., a domestic and sexual violence center.
Sunrise provides free counseling, advocacy, and support services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence. It also serves family or friends that have been affected by violence through its outreach program.
Many of those attending the event came bearing bags of all shapes and sizes, filled with items intended to help those arriving at Sunrise’s shelter.
The donated goods included soaps, shampoos, hair products, lotions, fragrances, socks, toothpaste, cotton swabs, hand sanitizers and other items.
Annette Bellingar, first vice president of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, said some women brought in bags filled with stuff. Others just brought in items off the list, and there were others who donated money or gift cards, she said.
Amanda Markiewicz, chief programs officer for Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., said “we’ve had collaboration with this club and a lot of the other GFWC clubs in the area for a long time. We appreciate the support.”
The event was timed to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is in October.
“We have a 40-bed shelter,” Markiewicz said. “We provide them (people at the shelter) with anything you would think is in a household. Basic hygiene items. Clothing.
“We’re able to help them with support services, crisis counseling, advocacy, help with finding jobs or housing or any kind of case management.”
Nearly all of the ladies at the brunch wore purple, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
While raising $900 in contributions — including a $15 donation per person for the brunch, the ladies also donated enough items for the shelter to fill an SUV and another car.
Besides doing good, they had fun.
They played games and socialized. And, they dined on a homemade brunch buffet that included everything from French toast, to chicken salad sandwiches, to fresh fruit, hash browns, casserole dishes and more.
To learn more about Sunrise, call (352) 567-1681 or visit SunrisePasco.org.
Want to help? Here’s a list of items needed at Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.
Shelter items needed
Batteries
All-purpose cleaner
Foil
Baby formula
Body wash
Canned goods
Deodorant
Disposable gloves
Dryer sheets
Feminine pads
Forks, spoons, cups
Floor cleaner
Hair brushes
Hair ties
Hand soap
Headphones, ear buds
Ibuprofin (children and adult)
Pillows
Cushions
Lice treatments
Light bulbs
Long-handled dustpan
Mop
Pacificiers
Pepto Bismal
Petroleum Jelly
Phone chargers
Q Tips
Shampoo
Socks
Sponges
Stomach medicine
Tissues
Underwear
Vicks VapoRub
Ziploc bags
Published October 09, 2019
