HOW TO HELP
Make a Difference publishes wish lists for non-profit organizations in the Miami Valley. If your organization has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, please send details to Meredith Moss: MMoss@coxohio.com Be sure to leave a daytime phone number.
According to the staff at Soma Intimates, thanks in part to the help of Make a Difference, the store has been able to spread the word about its campaign to collect bras to help women in need, including victims of domestic violence.
Over 368,000 bras have been donated to the “Giving is Beautiful” bra donation project nationally over the years. In previous years, donors in the Miami Valley have contributed as many as 4,000 bras for a drive.
The store at The Greene is again collecting new and gently used bras. The official collection will end on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. You needn’t purchase anything at the store to donate. You can just drop off new or gently worn bras at the store during mall hours.
How many of us have bras sitting in drawers that don’t fit properly or that we never wear?
We’ve heard some touching stories over the years from local Soma sales staff; they’ve had widowers bring in bras from their deceased spouses, for example, grateful that they can go to such a good cause and be useful.
“We began this initiative in 2010 after we learned that bras are one of the least donated, yet most needed clothing items for women in need,” said Laurie Van Brunt, Soma Intimates’ brand president. “The seemingly simple act of donating a bra can help restore a woman’s dignity and confidence as she rebuilds her life.”
Although the program is national in scope, the bras donated in our area will stay in our own community for donations to women’s shelters and organizations. The YWCA has been one of the recipients in the past.
To help raise awareness about domestic violence, Soma is again partnering with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the leading voice for survivors of domestic violence. The organization represents over 2,000 shelters across 56 states and territory coalitions throughout the United States.
When victims of domestic violence come to a shelter, they often arrive with only the clothes on their back. So items like undergarments are always needed.
During this campaign, Soma will feature an application on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Somaintimates) that will encourage fans to "Take the Pledge" to donate a bra. Those who take the pledge will unlock a 25 cent donation to the NNEDV.
The local Soma is located at The Greene next to Chico’s. Bras can be brought in seven days a week. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The shop is located at 102 Plum St.
If you have questions, call (937) 431-1725.
Bras can also be mailed to Soma: 102 Plum Street, Suite D-104, Dayton, OH 45440.
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