HAWS 2021 Thank You

St. George's received a nice thank you for the 80+ bags that were collected and given to HAWS for distribution.

Below are stories from when the bags were delivered to various shelters in our area.

My first stop was a domestic violence shelter in Rensselaer county.  We left bags for women and children.  The desk clerk, a new worker, kept repeating, " who are you and where are you from!"  She just marveled at the over filled bags with beautiful things. She was so happy for the residents and truly amazed as she had to bring 2 carts to assist in bringing them inside the shelter.  Although the Shelter Assistant Director had 2 NYS Inspectors touring the facility, she came right out to help in gathering the bags.  She came to the car to greet my helper, Jan and me, and to thank us for the wonderful donation.  She said that HAWS comes through again with the generous Christmas presents from St. George's Episcopal Church of Clifton Park again this year.

My next visit was to a domestic violence shelter in Albany county. It is located in an inner city neighborhood.  The desk clerk, came right out with a cart and a helper to gather the overstuffed bags.  She said they really needed the wonderful bags to provide a holiday for people who have so very little and who are starting life again, having survived abuse.

My journey next took me to a domestic shelter in Greene County where I was greeted by residents who were unloading groceries.  They were welcoming and ran to get the case worker, who followed me to the car. The case worker let me know that tension was high in the facility as many of the residents are mothers who had nothing to give their children for Christmas.  With these huge bags, they could give their little ones a toy, game, candy and more.  The case worker was so thankful that her clients were being thought of during this busy time.

My next trip took me to a facility in Columbia County. The case worker was amazed that people would think of people in this location.  These heavy bags would be enjoyed by children of people recovering from alcoholism.  I am reminded that there is a correlation between domestic violence and substance abuse.  The case worker thanked me on behalf of her clients.

My final trip took me to a domestic violence shelter in Saratoga County. I met the desk clerk, who greeted me and was so happy to hear that that shelter and St.  George's Episcopal Church are in the same area. She was thrilled to receive the beautiful Christmas gift bags and promised to give them to women and children who are part of their shelter. It sounded like the facility would like to have a connection with a caring area parish like St. George's Church.

Thank you for allowing Healing A Woman's Soul to be your messenger..
Gretchen