Fill the Mayflower Event a Huge Success

DES MOINES, IA (05/17/2010)(readMedia)-- Thank you to everyone who donated household items to help Fill the Mayflower last weekend. An estimated 50,000 pounds of household items were donated and include essentials such as microwaves, beds and bed linens, dressers and kitchen items. Donations went to the FreeStore, which will help hundreds of victims of domestic violence this year.

The FreeStore is a nonprofit organization that provides gently used household goods to victims of domestic violence. The FreeStore's Fill the Mayflower event was held in partnership with Children & Families of Iowa (CFI), Select Van and Storage-a Mayflower company, Valley West Mall and Iowa Barbeque Society. The goal of this event was to fill the Mayflower trailer with donations of household items for victims of domestic violence.

This is the third consecutive year the event was held. "The community really stepped up this year and we filled not one, but two and a half Mayflower trucks," says Harry Swanson, FreeStore Volunteer Coordinator. "In addition, we raised $1,412 through our Dollars for Dressers campaign, the BBQ lunch on Saturday, and other cash donations."

When individuals leave Children & Families of Iowa's Domestic Violence Services Shelter, the FreeStore provides them with furniture and common household items to get started. These individuals often have few resources and this provides a first step for them to becoming independent.

First Lady Mari Culver, a tremendous advocate for victims of domestic violence and friend of Children & Families of Iowa, was at the event Friday, May 14. "The community support for Fill the Mayflower has been incredible. We had a great turn-out this year and will be able to help many families as a result," says First Lady Mari Culver.

The FeeStore accepts donations throughout the year. If you have gently used household items, contact them at 515.282.3733 or visit www.thefreestore.org.

About Children & Families of Iowa

Children & Families of Iowa is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures and changing lives throughout Iowa. With offices in Fort Dodge, Des Moines, Ankeny, Osceola and Centerville, Children & Families of Iowa is restoring hope for victims of domestic violence, helping teens find their futures, creating safe homes for children, preparing children to succeed and helping people reshape their lives. Last year, Children & Families of Iowa served more than 21,000 individuals in all of Iowa's 99 counties. Please visit www.cfiowa.org for more information.

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