Recently, the conference room of Sanctuary, Inc., was overflowing with Nerf blasters, puzzles, Baby Alive dolls, roller skates and more in the days before Christmas.
A nonprofit agency providing healing services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence within the Pennyrile, children of nearly 50 Sanctuary clients will now have gifts under their holiday tree thanks to donations from numerous individuals, local businesses and The Today Show.
Sanctuary Housing Coordinator Raneisha Leavell noted they reached out to people on Facebook, with lots of people donating. According to her, The Today Show had donated in the past, and so they reached out once again to assist.
Any client who lived at Sanctuary, or utilized its services in 2022, was asked to turn in a wish list for their children this past November, and gifts started pouring in December 12.
Leavell said family sizes ranged from one to eight children.
Residential Case Manager Ashley Hughes-Davis said one client cried, as gifts were loaded into her car. The woman had two boys and a new baby, and Hughes-Davis said she could tell the gesture was “appreciated.”
Some of the holiday donors this year included Guthrie Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, 5 Star Media Group, Kentucky State Penitentiary, White Drive Motors and Steering, Kay Jewelers, Sherwin Williams, Fortera Bank, University Heights Academy students, Hopkinsville Electric System, Madisonville Kentucky Legal Aid, New Work Fellowship, First United Methodist, Farm Credit Mid-America and Naomi’s Chapter No. 6.
Sanctuary, Inc. provides emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there is a crisis, call 800-766-0000.