Domestic abuse continues to be an often unnoticed problem here in Michigan and around the world. Families are torn apart and lives are ravaged in the wake of family violence. When women with abusive partners decide to leave, it is often the most dangerous and chaotic time for every one involved, especially children. Imagine, these women and kids, in the interest of safety and a quick retreat, leave with little or no notice. If they have time to take anything, it may be just a few things stuffed into a garbage bag on the way out. Imagine how it feels to be a child in this traumatic family upheaval. You have left your home, other family members, your things, maybe even a pet behind with little more than the clothes on your back.
Stathakis, in cooperation with OrphanCare has come together to give these kids some comfort and hope by providing them with their own nice duffel bag filed with things to make life just a bit easier. From essentials like a blanket and pillow, to personal care items like a toothbrush and toothpaste, to small comforts like a book to read and stuffed animal, the gift of these items can help offset some of the shame and fright that affects children when violence tears through their families.
Tammy Churchill, Tricia Onesian, Brian Mamo, & Don Simon packing OrphanCare Bags
The Stathakis team put together duffel bags for some of these kids in need. As part of our Ubuntu theme, Stathakis is committed to work within our local community to help those in need. As is usually the case, we benefitted as much as the kids who will receive the OrphanCare bags. We had fun and felt good collecting all of the items and thinking about how the kids might feel receiving the things we put together for them. It meant a great deal to us to reach out and offer some comfort to these kids and families going through such a tough transition. The Stathakis team is so proud to help give these kids the unspoken message that they are valued and cared for. A big thanks to our entire administrative and Supervisor Teams for all their time and effort in making this happen.