On Nov. 14, three Eustis Lodge Anna Miller Circle members and one lodge member met at the lodge to pack welcome kits for residents of The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, a shelter for rape and domestic assault survivors and their children. The welcome kits are one-quart bags containing soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, mouthwash and other travel-size items for adults. The children's welcome kits contain the same items as well as a small toy, lip balm and hand sanitizer. They packed 100 adult kits and 100 children’s kits. Also included were puzzles, toys, handmade blankets, birthday kits and 59 full-size toiletries. At the Haven's request, they also provided 14 sweatpants, 17 T-shirts, 12 pairs of flip-flops, nine sports bras, 20 pairs of underwear, one sweatshirt, six pairs of socks, 75 small soaps, 75 lotions, three cases of water, three cases of Gatorade and three boxes of crackers. All of the above items were given to the three nurses who care for rape survivors who must give up the clothes they are wearing during the exam. This donation was valued at $449.58. The total value of everything was $2,784.58.
Pictured are Ralph Cerney, lodge member; Mary Ann Cerney, chair of The Haven project; and Judy Eaton. Not pictured is Suzanne Cunningham.