St. Ben's students donate to victims of domestic abuse and their children

St. Benedict School Student Council members are pictured with Helping Services Director of Individual and Family Services Mindy Myers

St. Benedict's School students have done their part to help victims of domestic violence and their children.

The St. Ben's students collected items and bags for children going into foster care or children of families who have to leave their homes because of domestic violence.  Each bag contained a blanket, stuffed animal, toothpaste and brush, other personal care items, coloring book or writing pad, and crayons, markers, pencils and pens.  St Benedict Parish members and Girl Scout Troop #232 from nearby school, North Winn, also contributed items for the bags.  A total of 55 bags were given to Helping Services of Northeast Iowa and other area agencies.
 
Mindy Myers of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center at Helping Services said, "Victims and children fleeing a violent home often have to leave almost everything behind.  These bags offer personal care items but also the comfort of a blanket or stuffed animal.  Coloring, writing, and drawing can be a good method of coping with a scary and difficult situation."