Women who've been driven from their homes by domestic violence need more than greeting cards on Mother's Day, and a moving company's campaign will help provide support across Alabama.
Two Men and a Truck has conducted its "Movers for Moms" campaign for a decade. Each year, the company and partners provide collection points for care and comfort items needed at women's shelters. Two Men and a Truck then delivers the items on or around Mother's Day, which falls on May 13 this year.
Last year's effort was conducted across 42 states, featured 800 partner organizations and collected nearly 300,000 gifts, according to the company. This year, Movers for Moms will accept donations through May 11, the Friday before Mother's Day (the cutoff may vary from site to site).
In most cities, partner organizations provide multiple collection points. For example, the Mobile campaign features a partnership with the Mobile Police Department: All four police precincts, police headquarters and the downtown Central Events mini-precinct all serve as drop-off sites. Goods collected will be delivered to the Penelope House shelter. For more information, call the company's Mobile office at 251-202-7531.
Elsewhere in the state:
Huntsville/Madison: The Facebook page for the company's Huntsville office has announced multiple collection points in the area, including Legend Realty, Madison Chamber of Commerce, Cyn Shea's Cafe and Catering, Rainbow Child Care Centers, Cafe 153 and Chick-Fil-A on University Drive. The drive benefits the Downtown Rescue Mission. Call 256-885-2515.
Decatur: For information, call 256-346-8281.
Birmingham: According to the company's local Facebook page, collection points include LAH Real Estate offices, The Marcus Agency/Allstate Insurance, Pete's Print, Cadence Bank and Movement Mortgage. Call 205-291-8090
Auburn/Opelika: Collection sites listed on the office's Facebook page include Petra Storage Solutions, Huff Smith Law, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn University Student Center. Call 334-277-1700.
Tuscaloosa: The company's local Facebook page lists sites including RealtySouth, Victory Christian Center and several sorority houses on the UA campus. Call 205-247-5050.
According to Two Men and a Truck, "Donations are determined by individual shelters, but can include: nice soaps, hair styling products, shampoos and conditioners, pillows, blankets, slippers, and other basic clothing items.
Mobile's Penelope House has provided a more detailed wish list: Women's deodorant, towels, wash cloths, combs, travel size mouthwash, umbrella strollers, diaper bags, diapers, wipes, onesies, pack-and-play cribs, slow cookers, blenders, George Foreman Grills, underwear, socks, Walmart and Target gift cards, batteries, black pens, small plastic trash cans, alarm clocks, tennis shoes, prepaid phone cards, household cleaning supplies, hand soap, serving utensils, pots and pans, art supplies, resume paper and envelopers, journals, pillows and twin size linens.
For more information visit www.twomenandatruck.com.