With Christmas right around the corner, Santa needs all the help he can get to ensure the sleigh makes it out on time. It’s with this in mind the senior residents of Abbotswood at Stonehenge – a Kisco Senior Living Community – are doing what they can in advance of the holiday season to make sure Raleigh families have a special Christmas this year. Beginning on November 1 through November 30, the senior living community will be collecting gifts on behalf of InterAct (a nonprofit dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic and sexual violence) for the organization’s annual Holiday Bazaar. During the month of November, Abbotswood at Stonehenge invites members of the public to stop by during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) to drop off their gifts. The gifts will then be organized and prepared for delivery by residents and team members during a sorting party on December 5 at 1:30 p.m. Following the sorting event, residents and team members will deliver the presents to InterAct on December 6. The Holiday Bazaar allows those impacted by domestic violence to make the holiday season a little brighter for their families. During the event, InterAct’s offices are transformed into a store where parents can “shop” for toys and gifts for their children. In addition, children have the opportunity to choose gifts for their parents, too. For the residents of Abbotswood at Stonehenge, like Regina Sisinni, this event is incredibly meaningful as it provides an opportunity to benefit the greater community and to share the joy of the holiday season.
“For most of my life I’ve looked for different ways to volunteer, it’s something special to me,” said Sisinni. “I appreciate that Abbotswood at Stonehenge provides these opportunities, as giving back is worthwhile and so easy to do. Prior to some of our past endeavors with InterAct, I wasn’t familiar with the organization, but since we’ve partnered with them, I’ve learned of the immense need to support these families. I always try to pick up a couple of books for the parents and a couple of toys for the kids when I shop. These families need something bright in their lives, and if we can help provide that even for a moment, it’s worth it.”
InterAct works to save and rebuild the lives of those impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Wake County, North Carolina, while seeking to secure safer futures for victims, survivors and their families. According to InterAct, during the holiday season, presents and seasonal activities are some of the furthest things from the minds of domestic violence victims and their families. However, the Holiday Bazaar allows the opportunity for these families to have a brighter holiday and the chance to create happy memories as they rebuild their lives.
“InterAct provides a lifeline of support and a true home away from home during the holidays and year-round,” said Leigh Duque, executive director of InterAct. “We’re truly grateful for communities like Abbotswood at Stonehenge for their support of victims, survivors and their families during this year’s Holiday Bazaar.”
Over the next month, Abbotswood at Stonehenge will be collecting a variety of items from InterAct’s suggested items list. InterAct says the most urgently needed gifts are those aimed at boys and girls ages 7-13. In addition, they also will collect gift cards and wrapping supplies. All toys must be new or unwrapped for delivery, and they have requested that no violent toys be donated.
The following is a list of items that Abbotswood at Stonehenge will collect over the next month:
- New unwrapped toys
- Gift cards: suggested locations Wal-Mart, Target, etc. (please include gift receipt)
- For moms: bath and body products, candles, picture frames, journals, scarves, etc.
- Wrapping supplies: wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, tape, labels, boxes, bows/ribbons holiday stockings, etc.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to come together as a community to support local families in need during this special time of year,” said David Sexton, executive director of Abbotswood at Stonehenge. “The holidays are a time to celebrate and look forward to a brighter future, and having the opportunity to share that spirit with those who are starting new lives is incredibly meaningful. We’re grateful to have residents and team members who are dedicated to serving others and who seek to make this world a better place, and it’s exciting to do so in a way that will bring joy to the youngest members of the Raleigh community. It’s our hope that others will be inspired to join in and support InterAct in their efforts to serve those who have been impacted by domestic violence.”