GAIL WHITE Women's shelter could use a few good elves

"You don't want a child to wake up Christmas morning with nothing under the tree," says Kim Sullivan, director of Sojourner House, a domestic violence program in Youngstown.
"We give to the women and children who have been to the shelter throughout the year," Kim explains. "And we get calls from women who have been here even three years ago who are still struggling. They want their children to have something on Christmas."
Barbie dolls, board games, model cars, action figures, pajamas are all items on the Sojourner House wish list.
"The community is so generous," Kim says gratefully.
Many community groups and businesses adopt Sojourner House families and provide happy Christmases for children.
"Generally we are able to give to everyone on our list," Kim says with a touch of exhaustion in her voice. "It is hurried and crazy around here but it is also one of the funnest times of the year."
Volunteer group
This year, the Sojourner House has added a new item to its wish list: elves.
"We need people to wrap the gifts and deliver them," Kim says. "We need help going through the food donations and making baskets."
In response to that wish, a group of women started a volunteer organization called The Friends of Sojourner House.
Assisting with the Christmas rush will be one of the women's first projects, but their ambitions stretch far beyond the holiday season.
"The workers at the Sojourner House need to be spending time with the victims," explains Nancy Bailey, coordinator of The Friends Of Sojourner House.
"We can do all those things that are more than what the employees can do in a day," adds Sandy Kessler, a member of the group.
"Our mission is two-fold," says Nancy. "They are on a really tight budget. We want to raise funds for the program and work on volunteer programs around the shelter."
Creative people needed
While the Friends are planning various events and activities to assist the domestic violence haven, they have a wish list of their own.
"We are looking for creative people who can come up with creative fund-iraising events," Nancy shares.
"Plus give of their time," Sandy says.
The membership drive has brought several dedicated women to the group.
Kathy Roberts of Poland is looking forward to helping the Sojourner House.
"The Sojourner House not only helps women with their physical needs but they help with their emotional needs and give them direction and hope," she said.
Kathy shares her motivation behind joining Friends.
"I have always felt safe in my home and I take that for granted," Kathy shares. "I admire the women who take that first step."
Barb Gaffney of Poland knows exactly what the Sojourner House does for women. She used to work there.
"Domestic violence is terrible for the moms, but it's also bad for the children," Barb says, as she remembers the faces of the children. "They see so much. It's so unfair to them."
"When this is happening to somebody in your family, it affects everybody," Sue Schudel of Boardman said, echoing Barb's sentiments.
Lynda Ricciardi of Poland was looking for a good service organization to join.
"I would hope that someone would help if I were in trouble," she says.
Though the workers at Sojourner House give support and hope to women suffering from abuse, this small group of elves will be working hard this holiday season to make the lives of the smallest victims of domestic violence a little brighter.
They are looking for a few good elves.
gwhite@vindy.com
XIf you are interested in assisting Sojourner House this holiday season and/or becoming a Friend of Sojourner House, call Kim Sullivan at (330) 747-4040.