There are a number of ways to support Abuse Hurts ahead of the holiday season, in support of women and children escaping abuse or violence.
The Newmarket-based organization is holding a toy drive, which is on now until Dec. 2, to collect new, unwrapped toys for children and families.
This includes toys for kids aged over 12, baby toys, arts and crafts, books and gift cards (with the receipts attached), which are great to give to teenagers.
The toy donations can be dropped off at the Abuse Hurts warehouse at 4 - 1208 Gorham St. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the office at 120 Harry Walker Pkwy. N. on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can also take donations to Market Brewing Company during regular business hours and Main Street Realty in Newmarket from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Mike Cartwright, broker of record at Main Street Realty, said the brokerage wanted to get more involved in the community and turned to Abuse Hurts to see how it could help. It's now a drop-off location and Cartwright said the donations are pouring in.
"I'm shocked at how many people have brought in toys, it's amazing to me. I can't believe how many we've gotten. I didn't know what to expect, but people are very generous," he said.
This is the first time Main Street Realty is participating in the drive but it won't be the last, according to Cartwright, and the brokerage is planning to become even more involved in the community moving forward.
Once all the donations are received, Abuse Hurts distributes the toys through partner agencies and, according to founder Ellen Campbell, the need has increased.
"One agency last year asked us for 125. This year, they want 250," she said. "The need is up and then we have a lot more agencies on board this year than we did last year."
Around Christmastime, thousands of toys will be given out.
"We're generous with the toys as the children don't just get one toy," Campbell said. "Then we always have something for the mom."
The gifts for mothers are collected through Abuse Hurts' Purses of Hope campaign. The organization fills purses with items like shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, makeup, toiletries and gift cards.
Donations of filled purses or the items to go in them can be dropped off until Dec. 20 at the Abuse Hurts warehouse and office, Market Brewing Company, Main Street Realty, and also the Royal Rose Gallery in Aurora from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Along with the two drives, you can also sponsor a family through Abuse Hurts. You will be paired with a family of two, three, or four depending on what you offer and will be given a specific wish list from that family to buy them new, unwrapped gifts. You can get involved with that Christmas campaign by contacting [email protected].
There is also a 50/50 draw in partnership with Q107, which is in its third year. The draw date is Dec. 21 and the winner will take half the pot. Q107 said its goal for the total jackpot is $1 million, meaning the winner would be going home with $500,000. Tickets for that can be bought online.
"It's a huge support for us. We really count on that every Christmas. It's one of our main fundraisers," Campbell said.
Supporters can also help Abuse Hurts by playing the charity bingo at Market Brewing in December. Every Thursday that month, proceeds from the weekly games will go toward the organization. It is $25 to play, with $15 going into the prize pot and $10 going to charity.
