EL PASO, Texas– COVID-19 has impacted our community in more ways than one. However, despite the worldwide pandemic many children will be heading back to school this year under different circumstances.
Alicia Rascon, Director of Strategic Development at the Center Against Sexual & Family Violence (CASFV), reached out to the Mijas to ask for our help in gathering school supplies for those in need at the shelter as part of their Back To School Campaign.
“The Center Against Sexual and Family Violence provides confidential assistance, educational programs and most importantly, hope to families in need,” said Rascon.
During this worldwide pandemic, the shelter has seen an increase in new client intakes at their emergency shelter. This is a result of escalating violence at home as many are forced to shelter in place.
“For many, home is not safe and being confined with an abuser can be dangerous. We have also experienced an increase in calls at our crisis hotline. As an essential service, CASFV has remained dedicated to ensuring that our services are available to those in need of support. Throughout the pandemic, we have kept our shelter doors open to clients seeking safety from family violence,” said Rascon.
For many kids, living in abusive homes can make it extremely difficult for them to focus on their school work.
“Dealing with fear and trauma can be big distractions as these young minds try to learn. This Back to School Season, we are asking for all the basic school supplies to help our family violence shelter kiddos. Supporters can help our shelter’s smallest survivors in getting supplies to succeed in school,” said Rascon.
Throughout the month of August The Mijas are encouraging those in our community to donate to their Back to School Supply Drive in an effort to collect enough supplies for the shelter.
“During these tough and uncertain times, any small donation can go a long way for these young children,” said Mija Project organizers.
Ways to Donate:
From August 7th until August 25th a contactless drop-off location will be provided:
Monday- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: 2605 Lake George El Paso, Texas 79936
Details: A drop-off cardboard box will be placed outside of the location during these hours. Donations can be placed inside of the box.
An east and west El Paso drop-off location will be provided at the end of the month at local businesses to give the community a chance to drop off their donations on their side of town. Follow ‘Mija, Yes you can’ on Facebook to stay updated on those location dates and times.
WHAT WE NEED:
- Backpacks (For both boys and girls and for children of all ages.)
- School Uniforms (Khaki pants and navy blue polos.)
- Composition Books
- Glue Sticks
- Pencils
- Pens
- Notebooks
- Crayons
- Construction Paper
- Markers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Clorox Wipes
- Tissues
- Target or Walmart Gift Cards
OTHER WAYS TO DONATE: Purchase an item from the shelters Amazon wish list, Click Here, and have it shipped directly to the shelters Family Resource Center at 580 Giles Rd. El Paso, TX 79915.
Monetary Donations: Visit casfv.org/donate for a one-time donation or to set up a recurring donation or mail a check to P.O. Box 26219, El Paso, Texas 79926.
Mija, Yes you can. 