Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) and The Nest domestic violence shelter are truly blessed with constant examples of generous support from the community. Sweet Charity, their resale boutique, supports a good part of what is accomplished at the shelter. It serves as a private and safe source of home furnishings for survivors who leave the Nest and begin setting up their own apartment or home. In addition, it also provides affordable options for members of the community. The support is two-fold, with all proceeds going directly to support the efforts of Lincoln County’s first and only domestic violence shelter.
Carol and Bill Carpenter have pledged their support to HEAL and The Nest. They contribute hundreds of hours of volunteered time and energy, along with hundreds of dollars of gas money, to the retail operations of Sweet Charity. They began volunteering about one year ago after being sucked into the mission by retail staffers, Dora and Wellen.
“We had always wanted to help out and give back. We liked shopping at Sweet Charity because they always made us feel warm and welcomed, like old friends. One day, we were there shopping and overheard a conversation with somebody who wanted to buy several large items, but that would not be able to get transportation for everything. We chimed in, ‘Do you need help?’ and offered to deliver it for them,” said Carol. The staff was thrilled. History was made. Carol has since volunteered her afternoons with Sweet Charity every Tuesday and the couple has continued to make deliveries every other week since that time.
Beyond their time, the Carpenters donate gas money. Carol said, “They’ve offered to reimburse us for gas, but that could go to someone who needs it. I was always raised to give back and I’m really the one who benefits. I’ve struggled before and people helped us out. I feel almost selfish in returning the favor. I’m the one that gets all the benefits, the good feelings.”
The couple has seen what the community of Ruidoso can do. They met and married in 1984, right here in Ruidoso. “We love the community. We think the people are friendlier, even the travelers. We love how quickly people come together when somebody needs help. Of course, we also love that we always feel like we are on vacation here,” they stated.
Bill and Carol Carpenter encourage other people to donate to Sweet Charity and to volunteer to help with retail operations, pick-ups and deliveries. Bill said, “It’s a good cause. Provide what you can. This is how we can show our love for people.”
Together they encouraged even the most modest of donors. “Consider volunteering. If you want to volunteer or donate, even if you don’t think it will be that great, just do it! Come down to Sweet Charity and give it a shot. In our world, there’s never such a thing as too much help.”
Help End Abuse for Life extends its gratitude to Carol and Bill Carpenter, who have provided their astounding dedication to supporting all of the enterprises of HEAL. If you are interested in joining the ranks of volunteers or would like to arrange a donation, please call Sweet Charity at 575-378-0041. For more information about Help End Abuse for Life and The Nest, visit their website at helpendabuseforlife.org.
Pictured are Bob and Carol Carpenter, HEAL Volunteers Extraordinaire.
