SWAMPSCOTT — The town has partnered with Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC), a domestic abuse agency, to gather donations of clothing and supplies for people in need.
For any community member who happens to stroll into the lobby of Town Hall, they might spot a donation box past the main entrance with the “HAWC” sign hanging above it, stuffed full of coats, clothing and accessories.
HAWC is a nonprofit organization based in Salem that provides a domestic abuse helpline, emergency shelter, legal services, and counseling for over 2,500 families throughout the North Shore, according to its website.
Besides providing critical elements of support and resources, the organization also advocates for cultural and social change. In order to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts, HAWC provides the communities it serves with education, volunteer opportunities, annual community events, and maintains current updates with related news and legislation.
The organization has worked to provide support for victims of domestic abuse since it was first founded in 1978.
Currently, there are a number of items that the organization is asking the town to rally together to provide. These include large children’s diapers (from sizes 5-8), queen-sized sheets, towels, silverware, shampoo and conditioner, as well as pots and pans.
“We have a donation station here in the lobby at town hall, so we typically pick different causes in the area, but HAWC was a perfect candidate,” Assistant to the Town Administrator Jody Watts said. “People bring in so much stuff, the town is incredibly generous, and it helps people… Money can be tight, so the donations go toward things they need.”
