October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Members of the sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma (GSS) are working alongside The End Violence Center at California University of Pennsylvania to raise awareness for domestic violence.

Both groups have joined together to raise donations for mothers seeking help in domestic violence situations. Donations will take place every Thursday in October.

“This is Gamma Sigma Sigma’s first time participating in an event like this. As the Vice President of GSS, it is my job to find projects for us and then continue by planning them out, said Megan Love who is a Senior in the Communication Disorders program.”

Every two years GSS changes their impact project for their sorority. This year GSS chose to collaborate with the End Violence Center to raise awareness on domestic violence. 

“ Some people have been subjected to this type of violence themselves or know others who have endured it, but there are still people that don’t know how to identify what domestic violence really is. It is important to understand that domestic violence is not okay, said Love.”

Thursday, Oct. 7 was the first-day donations took place. Donations on this day consisted of stuffed animals for children along with monetary donations which will be accepted every Thursday in October. Each week a different item is listed for what is being asked of the donations. Stuffed animals, books, blankets, and backpacks are some things that will be accepted along with monetary donations used to purchase supplies.

Donations will be collected each Thursday in October in the Natali Student Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

June Smith who is a Junior in Psychology thinks this is a great thing they’re doing. Not everyone knows how common domestic violence is, so donating items could go a long way in helping survivors.

“Even if students aren’t donating I still think this event will bring awareness and encourage students to learn more about domestic violence, how to see the signs, and how to be there for those that are being subjected to this kind of behavior, said Smith.”

Anonymous donations are also being accepted. If you wish to be anonymous items can be dropped off in the End Violence Centers and will go to children and mothers who are placed in shelters or programs seeking help with domestic violence.

“Donations help women leaving domestic violence who are placed in shelters with their children. Sometimes when women that are fleeing these situations end up in shelters with only garbage bags holding their belongings, these items provide comfort and anything helps, said Love.”

Megan Love can be contacted at [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding donations.