Crisis Center For South Suburbia Swaps Annual Fundraiser Event

TINLEY PARK, IL — When the coronavirus pandemic caused the Crisis Center for South Suburbia's Auxiliary fundraising luncheon to be canceled for a second year, members did everything in their power to show support to domestic abuse victims.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s Auxiliary is a fundraising arm of the local non-profit that is dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence in the Chicago Southland area. Annually, the Auxiliary hosts a Spring Luncheon to raise funds for programs and services.

Rather than hosting a luncheon, the women of the Auxiliary organized a Spring Bring collection drive. This included hosting several drop-off locations throughout the Palos and Tinley Park areas for Auxiliary members and their friends to safely drop off needed non-perishable food items for victims living in the Crisis Center’s shelter and community-based apartments.

Members collected hundreds of food items, gift cards and over $600 in monetary donations.

“The Auxiliary is driven by compassion for the victims of domestic violence," said Marie Kaminski, Auxiliary President. "The Spring Bring was our response to the overburdened resources of the Crisis Center due to the pandemic. We saw the need and we did something. The Spring Bring is just one example of how generous our members are with their time, treasure and talent. I am so grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication."

In addition to the Spring Bring event, the Auxiliary organized eight catered meals for over 30 shelter residents at the Crisis Center. Four of the meals were paid for by the Auxiliary or one of their members, and the others were a result of donations from local restaurants and community members that Auxiliary members pursued. Country House Kitchen in Alsip donated two of the meals and the Palos Heights Women’s Club donated two other meals. All the meals were delivered to the shelter by members of the Auxiliary.

“The Crisis Center Auxiliary has been helping meet the needs of victims of domestic violence since 2009 and has donated more than $120,000,” said Lorri Nagle, Director of Development. “Their generous hearts are nothing short of incredible,” she added.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Auxiliary, visit CCSS Auxiliary - Crisis Center for South Suburbia (crisisctr.org) for more information.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia supports victims of domestic violence and provides a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter and community-based housing programs, counseling, advocacy, prevention and educational programs. For more information visit crisisctr.org.

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