Household Drive for Victims of Domestic Violence

DES MOINES, IA (04/15/2009)(readMedia)-- We've all heard that old saying, "April showers bring May flowers." But what, you may ask, do May flowers bring? The third weekend in May, the "Mayflower" will bring hope for a brighter future for victims of domestic violence in central Iowa.

May 15-17, 2009, Select Van and Storage, a Mayflower Company, is partnering with the FreeStore to collect household items for those in need. The FreeStore is a nonprofit organization that provides free household items and furniture for victims of domestic violence leaving Children & Families of Iowa's shelter.

To participate, people can bring their gently-used household items to the Mayflower van parked at Valley West Mall. All of the items will be delivered to the FreeStore free of charge for them to distribute to victims of domestic violence as they set up their new homes. Cash donations will also be accepted. For a list of needed items, please visit www.thefreestore.org or www.cfiowa.org.

Fill the Mayflower is in its second year, but the organizations have a history of partnering to collect household items for victims of domestic violence. Children & Families of Iowa has been working with the FreeStore since 2001, and Children & Families of Iowa works with Select Van and Storage to arrange for free moving services for victims leaving shelter and begin new lives in safe environments.

Children & Families of Iowa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures and changing lives for Iowa's families, making a difference for over 18,000 people across Iowa last year.

Children & Families of Iowa provides hope, healing and help for victims of domestic violence. Services include safe shelter, outreach services, crisis support and community education. Children & Families of Iowa operates the largest domestic violence shelter in Iowa - only such shelter in Polk County - and the statewide Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline. Last year, the organization touched over 7,000 lives through its domestic violence services.

For more information about Children & Families of Iowa, please contact Amanda Acton at (515) 697-7969 or e-mail her at AmandaA@cfiowa.org

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