Southeast Oklahoma county DHS offices donate items to domestic violence shelters

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, staff in several DHS county offices in southeast Oklahoma collected personal items to donate to domestic violence shelters. The items were collected by Adult Protective Services (APS) staff in McCurtain, Choctaw, Pushmataha, Atoka, Coal and LeFlore counties.

"All the counties in our APS Unit collected donations of personal hygiene items for domestic violence shelters in our area," said Sally Jo Andrews, APS Supervisor. "We gathered in Idabel on November 3^rd and prepared boxes of items for delivery to the shelters. In total, we had 2,108 items donated!"

The items covered six tables in the Idabel office. Donations included toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, body wash, brushes, combs, lotions, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, socks, pajamas, blouses, shirts, makeup, toilet paper and even cash.

"As one of the vans in LeFlore county was being loaded, a woman stopped and asked questions about the donations," said Andrews. "She contributed $20 on the spot."

Community partners that also provided donations included Wal-Mart, local dentists, a local hotel/motel, and Frost's Western Wear in Atoka. DHS staff, including staff in child welfare, also contributed items or cash. The items were distributed to four APS clients, a women's halfway house in Antlers, and the LeFlore County Women's Shelter.

"I am so proud of the efforts of the APS team for collecting all these items to help victims of domestic abuse," said Adult and Family Services County Director Ken Province. "They have worked hard to make this happen and raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on our communities."

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​ Front row (left to right): Brenda Hopkins, Sally Andrews, Angie Williams, Lisa Lundy and Bill Pierce Back row: Aaron Strange, Christina Lorey and Randy Cowell.

​             Items donated to domestic violence shelters in Southeast Oklahoma.