HAWC seeks gift cards for meals

LYNN-A North Shore emergency shelter and counseling service for victims of domestic abuse is reaching out to the public for gift cards to help needy families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change, formerly Help for Abused Women and their Children) is issuing an appeal for donations of grocery store gift cards, specifically from Shaw’s and Market Basket supermarkets, said Alicia Black Weaver, HAWC assistant director of development.”HAWC will gladly accept donations of non-perishable food items as well,” she said, adding that the organization will distribute the gift cards and food items to families who need help during the upcoming holidays and winter months.Gift cards and non-perishable food items can be delivered or mailed to the HAWC office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office located in the Shetland Office Park, 27 Congress St., Suite 201 in Salem. For more information, call HAWC at 978-744-8552.HAWC provides prevention and free, comprehensive services to victims of violence and their children in 23 cities and towns across the North Shore. Services include: a 24-hour hotline; emergency shelter; children’s services; advocacy in courts, police departments and health care settings; educational and support groups; counseling; and education in schools and the community. HAWC staff and volunteers respond to thousands of individuals and families each year, who reach out for help.HAWC’s hotline is available 24 hours a day at 800-547-1649 or go online to www.hawcdv.org.