Make the holidays brighter for survivors and their families by participating in HAVEN’s 2024 Gift Give-Away

(PONTIAC-MI) The holidays can be a challenging time for survivors of intimate partner violence. To ease some of those difficulties, HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Give-Away, where survivors and their families can shop for holiday gifts, thanks to the generous donations and countless volunteer hours.

Unlike other holiday gift programs, HAVEN’s Gift Give-Away empowers survivors who have used HAVEN’s services in the past 12 months by allowing them to shop (at no cost to them) from hundreds of holiday items, such as toys, clothing, small appliances, and more. Volunteers also accompany survivors, assisting them in picking out special gifts for their children—and themselves.

“Gift Give-Away is truly one of the most special events at HAVEN,” said HAVEN CEO Christine Kinal. “Being able to provide this service to our clients annually means so much, and we couldn’t do it without the generous help and support of our volunteers and the community.”

Last year, HAVEN helped make the holiday season brighter for more than 500 survivors and their families. With the growing need, we are starting now to collect new, unwrapped gifts and gift cards for this year’s Gift Give-Away. Donations are accepted through December 8.

You can also shop directly from our Amazon Wish List and have the items shipped directly to HAVEN. Please shop early to avoid shipping delays!

HAVEN's wish list can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2L3KGKOPNBPCA?ref_=wl_share.

This year’s top priority items include:

Winter coats (gender neutral, especially in larger sizes up to 3X)
Gift cards ($20-$50, Meijer or Target)
Blankets and comforters (full or queen size)
Teen items, especially for teen boys
Kitchen appliances (microwaves, coffee makers, slow cookers, etc.)
Pajamas for all ages and sizes, especially men’s sizes for teenage boys
Winter gear, especially for teen boys, such as boots, gloves, and hats

Gifts can be dropped off at HAVEN, 801 Vanguard in Pontiac, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through December 8.

We also have volunteer opportunities available, including gift wrapping, assisting with donations, setting up the room, organizing donations, helping clients shop, and more.

Volunteers can sign up at www.Haven-Oakland.org/gift-giveaway-2024.

Contact HAVEN of Oakland County

24-HR CRISIS & SUPPORT: 248-334-1274
TOLL-FREE CRISIS LINE: 877-922-1274
TTY LINE: 248-972-2540

About HAVEN of Oakland County

HAVEN is Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We provide shelter, counseling, advocacy, and educational programming to about 30,000 people per year. Our mission is to empower survivors to heal and engage all individuals and communities to address and prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence—ultimately eradicating it and healing those affected by its injustice.