On July, Empowerhouse’s shelter for survivors of domestic violence experienced a destructive fire in the middle of the night. Fortunately, everyone evacuated safely. However, the storage room with supplies for survivors and their children who stay at the shelter was completely destroyed. Everything had to be tossed due to fire, smoke, or water damage.
During October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Fredericksburg Police Department (FPD) and the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office (FSO) are collecting items for Empowerhouse to help rebuild their stock of supplies.
FPD and FSO will host two donation drives at the Central Park Walmart on October 14th and October 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Items can also be donated at Fredericksburg Police Department headquarters and the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office. FPD and FSO are collecting the following items. All items must be new:
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Large diapers
• Cleaning supplies
• Underwear (all sizes)
• Socks (all sizes)
• Sweatpants
• T-shirts
• Pajamas
• Towels
• Canned food/ non-perishable food
• Craft supplies and journals
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Feminine care products
• Haircare products
• Toothbrushes
• Baby care items
• Prepackaged snacks
• Fun activities for children
“It’s unfortunate the organization and the victims using their services experienced a devastating fire. Sheriff Foster and I appreciate any donations the community can help us provide to Empowerhouse and the people they support,” said Police Chief Layton.
Empowerhouse is a non-profit organization providing confidential domestic violence assistance in the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline. These services include a free and confidential 24-hour hotline, a temporary emergency shelter, information, referrals, and advocacy. Empowerhouse is an accredited Virginia domestic violence program.
Fredericksburg Police Department headquarters address is 2200 Cowan Boulevard,
Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office address is 701 Princess Anne Street,
Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
The Central Park Walmart address is 1800 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA
22401.
