SHARON Shower to furnish women's shelter

The domestic violence emergency shelter needs some help to complete its remodeling.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- Wedding showers are common, and so are baby showers, but Alternatives for Women: Advocacy, Resources and Education is asking people to help out with a Shelter Shower.
The organization has recently done an interior remodeling of its emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and needs help to furnish it.
The administrative offices housed at the shelter have been moved to AWARE's Mercer office and the offices has been converted into living space, said Candace Blake, assistant director for direct service.
The shelter had bed space for 12 people but now has room for 15, who can stay for up to 30 days.
A lot of old household items were no longer usable and had to be discarded, Blake said, adding that a variety of items such as kitchen utensils, bath and bedding items and curtains are needed to complete the remodeling.
Furniture isn't on the list.
Blake said AWARE is working with area furniture stores to secure donations of display and other furniture to help furnish the shelter.
Just like the guest of honor at a wedding or baby shower, AWARE has registered for needed items at Wal-Mart under the store's House Warming Registry and at Target under its Club Wedd category. The registration name is AWARE Inc. Shelter.
"Usually, around Christmas, people are looking for a cause to support as a goodwill gesture," Blake said, explaining the timeliness of the shower.
Broad appeal
It's a broad-based appeal, Blake said, noting that businesses, service groups and faith-based groups are being asked for help although contributions from individuals are also appreciated.
"People have really been having a good time with it," she said, noting a high level of response already.
If an individual or group wants to take on more than just buying a couple of items, AWARE is open to having them sponsor the furnishing of a complete room at the shelter. A plaque will be placed in the room to honor a sponsor's commitment.
Blake said there's already interest from a group wanting to sponsor a children's room at the shelter.
If someone doesn't want to travel to Wal-Mart or Target to make a selection, he can make a cash donation to Shelter Showers in care of AWARE, P.O. Box 612, Mercer, Pa. 16137.
The money will be used to buy registry items, Blake said.
Excess items and shelter items that are still usable but are being replaced will be used to help women who have left the shelter and are starting new households, Blake said.
"We like to turn stuff over. We give our gently used stuff to people who are leaving the shelter," she explained.
The county-wide emergency shelter has been operated by AWARE since 1988. Last year, 43 women and 33 children received services through the shelter.