On Oct. 10, volunteers from the Eustis Anna Miller Circle packed numerous items for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, which totaled $3,311.10. The donation included 100 welcome packs for women (1-quart bags which include soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, dental floss, lotion, razor and more) and 100 welcome kits for children that include similar items as well as lip gloss, hand sanitizer, tissue packs and a small toy. The packs are given to women and children when they first arrive at the Haven's safe house as domestic assault survivors. The ladies also provided items for sexual assault survivors, which include sweatpants, T-shirts, flip-flops, sports bras, underwear, soaps, shampoos, cases of water, Gatorade, and crackers and snacks. The nurses provide the clothing to survivors to replace the clothes they must give for evidence. Additionally, 13 birthday packs of cake mix, frosting and candles were provided for mothers to bake a cake for their child while staying in the safe house. Full-size items were also donated, including toothpaste, soap, handmade children’s blankets, multivitamins, aspirin, pillows and more. The Haven provides crucial services to abused women and their children as well as rape survivors. They offer extensive programs to help survivors with housing, food and classes as well as assistance in transitioning to a safer life. They help the children in both school and legal settings as advocates in the children's time of need.
Pictured are Kathy Mitchell; Mary Ann Cerney; Ralph Cerney, Elk; Beverly Dufresne, President; and Judy Eaton. Not pictured is Suzanne Cunningham, who took the picture.