Volunteers sought for day of service benefiting Shelter from Storm

Day of service, toiletry drive benefits Shelter from the Storm

Contact: Heather Tomlinson | PCSW Co-Chair
541-962-3242 | htomlins@eou.edu

April 19, 2013
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Two university groups committed to women’s issues are coming together in support of the area’s domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center.

The President’s Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) and the Women’s Research and Resource Center (WRRC) at EOU are organizing a day of service for Shelter from the Storm.

Volunteers are being sought to work at the shelter from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, April 27.

“The inaugural day of service aims to engage EOU students, faculty and staff in working together with community members and organizations to promote the well-being of women and girls in our region,” said Tawnya Lubbes, PCSW secretary and assistant professor of education.

“The PCSW and WRRC strongly support Shelter from the Storm’s efforts to increase awareness of violence against women and provide advocacy and services to survivors of abuse,” Lubbes added.

Participants can sign up at the WRRC spring book sale April 25-27 in the Hoke Union Building, Room 309, or meet at the shelter office at 1111 5th Street at 9 a.m. the day of the event.

Work may involve cleaning, so appropriate clothing is recommended. The shelter will provide all necessary supplies.

The day of service is being organized this year in lieu of the PCSW’s longstanding Women of Vision and Courage Awards Ceremony. Presentation of awards will resume during even numbered years beginning in 2014.

The PCSW is also collecting travel-sized toiletries for the shelter through the remainder of the month. Drop boxes are currently located in the main office areas in all campus buildings and will also be available at the book sale.

Shelter from the Storm offers both immediate and long-term assistance to victims/survivors and their families. All shelter services are free of charge and available daily.

For questions about volunteering or participating in the toiletry drive, contact Heather Tomlinson, PCSW co-chair and assistant professor of theatre, at 541-962-3242 or e-mail htomlins@eou.edu.