slideshow

Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Participating in the annual Shop and Share event, local Food City stores took part in a one-day drive to benefit domestic violence shelters across the state on Saturday.

Items such as personal care, non-perishable food and housekeeping items were gathered to be used for the benefit of local victims housed in the Family Life Abuse Center serving eight counties of the Cumberland Valley Area Development District, which include Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle and Whitley. Harlan County Domestic Violence Council volunteers set up at Food City stores in Harlan and Cumberland where they provided a list of items needed to shoppers as they entered the stores. Monetary donations were also accepted.

The event is co-sponsored by Kentucky first lady Jane Beshear.

“All of us are aware of the appalling crime of domestic violence, and many Kentuckians have had friends or family members who have been victims themselves,” Beshear said in a press release. “Shop and Share is an easy way for people to contribute to victims and their families. The goal was to collect more than $1 million in donations.

Harlan County Domestic Violence Council Victim Advocate Sheryl Caudel said approximately $2,700 in merchandise, along with $378 in monetary donations were received in Harlan County during the event.

“The response was overwhelming considering the amount of people in Harlan County who have lost their jobs,” said Caudel. “The people of Harlan County have always been so generous and so good to help when needed.”

Caudel said approximately $10,831 in merchandise, along with approximately $2,000 in cash was collected in Bell, Harlan, Laurel and Whitley counties on Saturday.

“We appreciate everyone who donated during this event,” said Caudel. “It will all be used locally.”

Anyone wishing to donate or wanting more information, may contact Caudel at (606) 392-1129 or email at sheryl.caudel@gmail.com. You may also mail checks to Department of Human Service, Family Life Abuse Center, P.O. Box 640, Mt.Vernon, Ky. 40456.

Reach Nola Sizemore at (606) 573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com