Media Contact: Greg Johnston, 277-1816

December 4, 2003 UNM EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY DRIVE TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE As the holidays draw near, UNM employees feel the need to reach out to those less fortunate. The UNM Advancement Division is coordinating the annual "Spirit of Giving" campaign. Staff, students and faculty are asked to make donations to benefit the Women's Community Association, an organization that houses and assists victims of domestic violence. Selecting a recipient for the holiday drive was a difficult process. The "Spirit of Giving" committee reviewed a long list of local non-profits. The committee is made up of employees from Alumni, Development, KNME TV, Public Affairs and University Communications and Marketing. "It was tough to decide because there were so many organizations helping people in need," said Hilary Jetty, UNM Development Office. "It was a real eye-opener to see how many were in existence." The Women's Community Association (WCA) has been in operation since 1976 and is currently the only domestic violence shelter in the Greater Albuquerque area. Victims of domestic violence receive shelter, counseling, advocacy training and support services. The center houses both victims and their children. As children comprise up to 60 percent of those served, WCA provides a special children's program. All services to clients are provided free. In November, the shelter was operating at full capacity. A "wish list" of donations was submitted to the UNM committee by the WCA director. Donations are being collected for both WCA clients and the shelter. Items most in demand are new personal hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner and hairbrushes. Winter clothing, including hats and gloves for children, is needed. Large items are also needed at the shelter such as dressers, twin mattresses, sturdy bunk beds, a fax machine and a copier. Those who plan to donate large items should call Jetty at 277-1655. "Anybody who has a good TV sitting in their garage or has discarded their VCR for a DVD, we'll take those items," Jetty said. The Anderson Schools of Management chose to participate in "Spirit of Giving." Lisa McHale, development officer, said that admission for faculty and staff to Anderson's holiday luncheon on Dec. 11 will be a donation to the Women's Community Association. "Spirit of Giving" collection boxes are located at the Alumni office in Hodgin Hall; the Development office at 700 Lomas Blvd. NE; the UNM Visitors Center at 1700 Las Lomas NE; and KNME TV. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 15.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
MSC01 1170
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981