WAUKESHA – A new student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, the Collegiate Association of Women (CAW) is sponsoring its first community event, a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit children residing at the Hebron House in Waukesha. The director of the Hebron House shelter program will speak in the Commons dining area on campus at 11:00 a.m. November 30.
The toy drive runs from November 27 to December 6, with tables set up in the dining area in the Commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day to receive the new, unwrapped toys. Currently there are 27 children housed at the Hebron House, ranging in age from newborn to teenager.
Donors may choose a gift tag, inscribed with the wish of a specific child, from the “giving tree” in the Commons or contribute cash or unsolicited gifts. Suggested toys include sketchpads, paints, dolls (no porcelain), Legos, plastic Tonka trucks, Big Wheels, board games, hand-held games, crossword/puzzle books, and markers/colored pencils.
Originally an all-volunteer organization, Hebron House of Waukesha first opened its doors on East Avenue in August 1983 and only served victims of domestic violence. It now operates three shelters, two for families and one for single men and women.
Sister Johnice, the director of the shelter program for Hebron House, will be on campus Thursday, November 30, and will speak on poverty. In her nearly nine years with Hebron House, she has filled all its various positions. When Hebron House opened its second shelter last April, she assumed the duties of director of all the shelter facilities.
In addition to the shelters, Hebron House administers a no-interest loan program for people needing down payments or security deposits for housing, education and placement services to help its clients find employment, case management, and efficiency units for special needs individuals.
CAW is dedicated to exploring a variety of women’s issues and to empowering women through education, support, and networking. For more information, contact wakcaw@uwc.edu or the group’s faculty advisor, Margaret Hirschberg, assistant professor of political science, at (262) 521-5204. |
