Seems local folks are already planning their holiday giving, according to Susanne Francis, Office Manager at HEAL & the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter.
Staff at the shelter has been receiving calls asking what the Nest and her residents need for Christmas. Each year, this community and supporters abroad kindly and generously ensure each woman and child who has to spend Christmas in the shelter has a special gift or two. It is simply the magic of donors who believe in survivors.
This year, the Nest Wish List will be available in four places: the HEAL Spencer Theater Charity Christmas Tree, HEAL Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/autgavf, HEAL website https://helpendabuseforlife.org and on HEAL’s Amazon Wish List at http://tinyurl.com/b4f3wft. Understanding how important it is to “shop at home,” HEAL encourages shoppers to support local merchants because any of the items on the Amazon Wish List can be purchased from area businesses and delivered to the Nest.
When women transition from the shelter to their new apartment or home, they are usually starting from scratch. Many do not have even basic kitchen equipment, so the Nest staff tries to piece together a “starting over kit” that might include dishes, glasses, towels, quilts or pans. Sweet Charity Resale Boutique is a HEAL enterprise that benefits the Nest but also stands as a primary source of much needed items for residents to start a new home.
The following 2012 Christmas Wish List includes items for the “starting over kits” as well as items needed in the shelter.
Can opener
Small bedroom radio
Reading lamps
Sewing kits & patches
Pots & pans
Toaster
Robes and slippers in all sizes for women and children
Writing journal
Over-range microwave
Large Couch
DVD/VCR
TV for children playroom
Under-the-bed storage bins less than 9.5 inches tall
Rug for children’s playroom
Free vouchers for Lincoln County Transit
Treadmill, exercise bike, exercise stretch bands
“I am often struck at the depth of generosity of our community. We who are blessed to work at the Nest have witnessed – time and time again – that as soon as a need arises, when a resident needs a special bassinet for her newborn or a particular calculator for her gifted child, it somehow just appears in the lobby. We know it arrives through the heart of a loving donor. One of my favorite quotes by Isabel Currier says “It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one’s fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit.” That is how it works at the Nest all year long but especially during the holiday. And we are ever so grateful,” said HEAL Executive Director Coleen Widell.
Gifts from the Christmas Wish List can be dropped off at or mailed to the Nest office at 26374 US Highway 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5 pm. For more information, call (575) 378-6378 (NEST).
The Nest domestic violence shelter opened its doors in March 2007 and currently serves over 300 women and children each year. All services are free and confidential. Their professional staff can be reached 24 hours a day via their hotline at (866) 378-6378 (NEST).
Pictured are many of the HEAL Spencer Theater Charity Tree ornaments made by the residents and staff at the Nest.
