H.O.P.E. Latina advocate Luisa Nambo, left, and shelter coordinator Kathy Gates display the handmade quilt by Deanie Springmire that will be raffled off for the organization’s fundraiser. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle based non-profit domestic violence service organization, Help Officer Protective Environment (H.O.P.E.) is seeking assistance from the county in order to help struggling families over the holidays who have experienced domestic abuse.

This Christmas, residents can held make Christmas brighter for clients of H.O.P.E. by participating in the organization’s “Adopt-A-Family” program. Interested donors, who may be individuals, a family or an organization, may choose any size of family for which to purchase gifts. H.O.P.E. then will share with the donor a wish list from the family in need, which will include some personal information such as age, gender and size of each family member.

H.O.P.E. Executive Director Ruth Carter noted that staff focuses on clients who are most needy and are not able to provide their children with their wants and needs.

“The gifts that are purchased for needy families through HOPE provides parents with the opportunity to give their children something special on Christmas,” she said.

For the complete article see the 11-26-2009 issue.

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