Burlington County Commissioners, Senators Collecting For Charity

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ —The Burlington County Board of Commissioners and two New Jersey state senators announced last week they would be teaming up to collect new items for Providence House Domestic Violence Services (PHDVS) of Catholic Charities. The drive will last until May 26 and requested donation items include: diapers snack foods and toiletries.

Providence House provides comprehensive services for victims of domestic abuse and their children free of charge at outreach offices and emergency safehouses in Burlington and Ocean counties. Among the services Providence House offers are: a 24-hour hotline, counseling services, a comprehensive children's program and parenting education programs.

Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson described the drive as a way to assist the shelter and its mission during the Mother's Day holiday and beyond. Joining Hopson in the effort are New Jersey senators Troy Singleton (D-Moorestown) and Dawn Marie Addiego (D-Medford).

"Domestic violence is heartbreaking and devastating, and the pandemic has only made it that much harder for the victims," Hopson said in a release. "This donation drive is an easy way for our residents to help, and we're incredibly grateful to be able to team with leaders like senators Singleton and Addiego, and the Burlington County Library System and sheriff's department, to aid this wonderful organization and the women and children Providence House assists and supports."

According to a release, donated items should be new and have tags attached. They can be dropped off at boxes located at Burlington County Library branches, and at Singleton's legislative office in Moorestown, 400 N. Church St., Suite 260, and at Addiego's office in Medford, 176, Rt. 70, Suite 13.

"Domestic violence is a scourge on our society whose trauma has far reaching effects," Singleton said. "We as a society must work collaboratively to eradicate it. However, it is gratifying to know that organizations like Providence House exist in Burlington County to help the victims and their children. Now we're asking all our residents to come together and contribute a few items to help this wonderful organization and all the work they perform."

Specific items to drop off, include:

• Diapers and pull ups (sizes 4,5,6 only)
• Individually wrapped snack foods, fruit cups, chips, pretzels, crackers and granola bars
• Colored pencils (12 packs)
• Writing journals (for adults)
• Individual packets of tissues
• White, 100-percent cotton pillowcases and t-shirts (youth and adult sizes)
• Toiletries like deodorant, body wash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner