Santa’s store is stocked for domestic violence victims

TEXARKANA, Texas. (CTAL/KMSS) — A local nonprofit is working to make sure everyone has the chance to visit Santa this year.

every yearof Texarkana Domestic Violence Prevention Inc. Opens the Santa Store for the families of customers staying here receiving housing or welfare services.

“So we installed it in an undisclosed location. Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc. Outreach Coordinator Bethany Daugherty says: “Do not release this to the public just for the sake of client confidentiality.” “A certain amount is allocated for each child and they can only choose their own children.” Gifts give them back a little bit of their dignity.”

The store usually serves 250 to 300 people a year, and a similar crowd is expected this time around. But to do this, they need approximately $30,000 worth of donations in both cash and toys.

“We’ll usually have tables and shelves and stuff like that, and we try to make it as much like a real toy store as we can so they can come in and have a shopping experience,” Daugherty says.

Spread Christmas cheer: Support Domestic Violence Prevention Santa Store

They say they need more gifts, especially for babies under two years old and teenagers.

“People forget that teenagers are still kids, too. “We’re looking for makeup sets for girls, nail supplies, straighteners, blow dryers, things like that for hair, journaling, art supplies.” “For boys, it’s usually things like watches, wallets, some kids really like fishing rods or bikes,” Daugherty says.

All this to make the season a little more enjoyable for those enduring terrible hardships.

“Some may have had to escape abusive situations, leave their homes, quit their jobs, they may not have the resources to provide Christmas for their children. And that’s a way that their kids can do that in situations where maybe they don’t realize that their parents are dealing with these things and they still have the magic of Christmas or Santa Claus or whatever the parents decide to do.

All donations can be dropped off at their office (424 Spruce St., Texarkana, Texas 75501) during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday).

They will be accepted until December 13th.

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