When Tameka Williams was asked if she might be interested in helping to coordinate and gather donations for a local women’s shelter in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“Liberty has always had a relationship with the shelter, but this was my first time volunteering to work with them,” said Williams, Liberty Customer Service Representative. “I always enjoy being involved in the community and letting them know we’re here to help.”
Since it was established in 1982, the Committee Against Spouse Abuse (CASA) has provided emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence in Pine Bluff. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it also offers food, shelter, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy and more.
To meet the needs of those staying at the women’s shelter, Williams and other Liberty volunteers put together gift baskets filled with items the residents would need. In total, they assembled 12 baskets filled with hair brushes, combs, pillow cases, pillows, body wash, shampoo, and other necessities. In addition, they also collected $240 in monetary donations to present to the shelter.
“It was a group effort,” Williams said of efforts to collect the donations. “Everyone chipped in to help.”
She said the response from shelter representatives and residents alike was extremely gratifying.
“We took the donations to the shelter,” she said. “The people there gave us big hugs and said the donations would help them out a lot.”