Every year, FPC collects holiday gifts for the guests of two domestic violence shelters. Santa’s elves will continue on with this tradition this year, although with a few changes due to COVID-19.

Background

For more than 15 years, our FPC community has stepped up to buy gifts for children, women and men who are fleeing domestic violence. We started first assisting Renewal House, a shelter for women and children in Roxbury which is connected to the UU Urban Ministry, and on whose board our former minister Tom Rosiello served. When Diane Miller took over this project, we added a second shelter, Voices Against Violence, where Diane had volunteered for years. You can learn more about each of these shelters at these two links—Renewal House and Voices Against Violence.

Our Efforts in 2021

We have been supplied with the wants and wishes from the women and children as usual. The lists are available at this SignUpGenius link. All of the information about names, genders, sizes and wishes will be found along with instruction can be found at the SignUpGenius link. The SignUp will be available for 5 weeks. Unwrapped gifts must be returned to the FPC Atrium on Friday, December 3 from 3 – 6 PM or Saturday, December 4 from 10 AM – 2 PM. Gift receipts are appreciated. 

Thanks to all who have participated in past years to make this wonderful project a huge success. We hope that each of you will continue your generosity this year as able, as the need is big and the reward even bigger. Each year, we receive wonderful thank you notes from both shelters, expressing how grateful they and their guests are for our efforts. Let’s keep up the great work and spread the love this holiday season!

Any questions, contact Diane at millerdiane@comcast.net.