With Christmas just six weeks away, the gift drive for the annual Holiday Store that brightens the season for families being helped by the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and Rape Victim Advocacy Program (DVIP & RVAP) is now underway.
“The toys collected during the drive will provide free holiday gifts for any family receiving shelter and outreach services from DVIP & RVAP,” the nonprofit that assists survivors of domestic and sexual violence in eight eastern Iowa counties said in a new release. “Parents ‘shop’ the holiday store and select items specific to their children’s interests and needs. Each child is provided with large gifts, stocking stuffers, pajamas, books, stuffed animals, and more.”
For anyone who wants to give but is unsure what to give, DVIP & RVAP has a list of suggested items sure to be in demand this holiday season.
● Gift cards for Walmart, Target, and Coral Ridge Mall stores
● Skin care sets for teens
● Socks and slippers, all sizes
● Water bottles
● Pajamas, loungewear, and robes, all sizes
● Bluetooth speakers and headphones
● Phone chargers and power banks
● LED/fairy lights, lava lamps, salt lamps, etc.
● Fidget toys
● Art/science kits
● Baby dolls and doll accessories
● Bath toys
● Car and train toys
● Fake food toys
● Baby books
● Teething rings
● Snack/sippy cups
The new, unwrapped gift items can be dropped off at one of the following 13 locations in Johnson County through Monday, Dec. 23.
• Applebee’s
200 12th Ave Center, Coralville
• Bluebird Diner – all three locations
330 E Market St, Iowa City
650 W Cherry St #9, North Liberty
112 E Main St, Solon
• Daydreams Comics
229 E Washington St, Iowa City
• Dodge Street Tire
605 N Dodge St, Iowa City
• First Presbyterian Church
605 N Dodge St, Iowa City
• Reds Alehouse
405 N Dubuque St, North Liberty
• Scheels
Coral Ridge Mall, Coralville
• The Serving Cafe
209 E Main St, West Branch
• Tamarack Discovery School
14 S Linn St, Iowa City
• Tractor Supply
655 Hollywood Blvd, Iowa City
• Willowwind School
950 Dover St, Iowa City
Gift cards for the Holiday Store can also be dropped off at Lepic-Kroeger Realtors in Iowa City (2346 Mormon Trek Blvd, Suite 2000-A).
“The holidays can be a stressful time, especially for families experiencing trauma. Our Holiday Store ensures that victim-survivors are not left out of the magic of the season,” Alta Medea, director of Community Engagement for DVIP & RVAP, said. “Providing gifts for the families we serve brings some normalcy and fun to the hardest times of their lives.”
