ICSEW Drive Supports Victims of Domestic Violence, Local Businesses Amid Pandemic

December 9, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ICSEW logo

Updated on December 9, 2020

The Interagency Committee of State Employed Women (ICSEW) is sponsoring a gift card and supplies drive for organizations that provide services and resources to women and individuals who are victims of domestic violence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, police departments and civic groups are reporting a spike in domestic violence cases. Mandated stay-at-home orders have put victims in close proximity to their abusers.

“This is an opportunity to help empower Washingtonians who are taking the difficult steps to protect the wellbeing of themselves and their families. These are strong, brave individuals, and to be a part of bettering their lives falls in line with so many of ICSEW’s values,” said ICSEW Public Outreach Co-chair, Jasmine Pippin-Timco.   

The drive started Oct. 1, the beginning of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The drive will run until April 30, 2021, with a possible extension through summer if needs remain dire. Recipients of the gift cards so far are the following organizations:

“This is a great opportunity to make a difference twice with one gesture as many local businesses are struggling to stay afloat through this pandemic,” said ICSEW Public Outreach Co-chair, Debra Lefing. “Donating a gift card helps a domestic violence survivor obtain meals or supplies and gives a much-needed boost to a business owner.”

How to Participate

If you are an individual who would like to donate a gift card, simply reach out to a local business or restaurant near you to purchase the card and mail to the desired organization below. Any business that carries grocery items, diapers & wipes, personal hygiene items or cleaning supplies would be useful. The organizations also need gift cards for restaurants, takeout, and fast food locations for food. During the holiday season any gift card can be donated as the families receive them as a Christmas gift, in some cases these are the only gifts children receive.

If you are an immune compromised individual or do not feel comfortable purchasing a gift card in-person, the ICSEW’s Annual Charity Drive page will have an updated list of businesses that offer no-contact purchase options starting December 7. If you are a business that would like to be on this list, please see the section below for businesses for how to participate. ICSEW is coordinating with businesses to arrange delivery of gift cards to specific organizations..

For Individuals: To ensure safe, no-contact delivery, ICSEW is encouraging the public to mail gift cards to charitable organizations for local businesses that carry items in need.

Western Washington:

Eastern Washington

  • New Hope (Grand Coulee, Moses Lake, Mattawa, Othello, Quincy, Royal City) C/O: Tina Steinmetz 311 W 3rd Ave, Moses Lake, WA, 98837
  • YWCA Spokane (Spokane County) C/O: Jennifer Haynes-Harter 930 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201
  • YWCA Yakima (Yakima County) C/O: Miriam Saavedra 818 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

If you are a local business and would like to participate in the gift card and product drive or be added to our list for contact free purchases please contact the ICSEW’s Public Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chairs. For western Washington businesses please contact jasmine.pippin-timco@lcb.wa.gov. For eastern Washington businesses, please contact debra.lefing@atg.wa.gov.  

For more information about the gift card drive, please visit the ICSEW’s Annual Charity Drive webpage, https://icsew.wa.gov/events/charity-drive/

The ICSEW’s Public Outreach Subcommittee has a vested interest in supporting community organizations that share the ICSEW values of Wellness, Advocacy, Leadership, Integrity, Fostering growth and Empowerment.

About the Interagency Committee of State Employed Women:

The Interagency Committee of State Employed Women, ICSEW is made up of governor-appointed state-employees from various agencies. The ICSEW seeks to better the lives of state employees through advocacy, outreach, opportunity, and by advising the Governor and agencies on policies that affect state-employed women.

Mission: To better the lives of state employees by advising the Governor and agencies on policies that affect state-employed women.

Vision: Enriching lives through advocacy, outreach, and opportunity.

For more information about the ICSEW, visit, https://icsew.wa.gov.

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