Stuff the Box Gathers Supplies for Harbor House Clients

Most of the time, the women and children seeking a safe place to stay arrive at Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter with the clothes on their back and – if they are lucky – a small bag with a few essential items.

During their stay at Harbor House, they receive all the supplies that they need for daily living, including toiletries, clothing basics, baby and school supplies and gift cards to help purchase gasoline or other necessities. As they prepare to leave shelter and establish their own housing, there is a need for paper and cleaning products, small kitchen appliances and home furnishings, and bed, bath and kitchen linens.

That is why collection drives such as the current Stuff the Box campaign are so important for the domestic violence survivors served by Catholic Charities and Harbor House.

Area businesses, schools and churches are helping Catholic Charities “Stuff the Box” with these much needed supplies between Nov. 4 and Nov. 15. A wish list (link) outlines the items needed in the categories of household products, baby needs, children and adult clothing, and school and miscellaneous items.

Here is a list of participating businesses where items may be dropped off during their normal business hours:

• Catholic Charities (St. Joseph Pastoral Center, 437 N. Topeka)
• Emeli Kate Salon
• Garden State Bank
• Wheat State Insurance Group

Here is a list of schools that are participating:

• All Saints Catholic School
• Resurrection Catholic School
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton School
• St. Joseph Catholic School
• St. Jude Catholic School

If you would like to organize a collection drive at your business, church, school or organization, it is not too late to pick up donation boxes. Please call Catholic Charities at 264-8344, ext. 1262.