Blanket drive is providing comfort to victims of abuse
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ELKINS -- A local agency has teamed up with the United Way of Randolph County in an effort to collect items to provide comfort to victims of abuse.
The Randolph-Tucker Children's Advocacy Center, one of United Way's partner agencies, has recently partnered with United Way to hold a "Blanket Drive" -- where businesses and organizations in the area serve as drop-off locations for blanket donations. After receiving many donations during their initial time frame, the CAC and United Way decided to extend their Blanket Drive until March 13.
Margot Evick, executive director of the local CAC, said comfort items, like blankets, are important in providing compassionate and efficient support to children.
"It is really important because every child that comes through our door has the option to take a 'lovey' with them, a comfort item, and whether it is a nice, cozy blanket or a stuffed animal, we want them to have that option," she said.
Employees of the CAC serve as "front-line responders" to reports of child abuse in area communities. West Virginia's 21 Child Advocacy Centers annually assist children and families who are seeking justice for victims of abuse.
"The support that we get from the community keeps our services strong," Evick said.
According to a press release, the local CAC saw 138 children during the previous fiscal year.
In addition to working with law enforcement, medical experts and mental health clinicians, child protection staff and family advocates, the CAC provides family advocacy and crisis intervention services.
Information provided by the CAC reads, "All of our services are aimed at reducing trauma so that children and families may begin the healing process."
Businesses and organizations accepting new blanket donations for the Blanket Drive include the following: United Way, Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar, US Cellular, Delmonte Market, Performance Chevrolet, Vandevender and NYPL, CPAs, Third Street Tattoos and Dylan Cota State Farm.