Indianapolis School Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Shelter

 Empire Beauty School in Indianapolis, IN, brought some much deserved holiday cheer to a local shelter, The Julian Center, on Christmas Eve.

Educator Lisa Reams and the student council initiated raising funds for the center.  “The students did a pitch in at the school and the ‘price of admission’ was an item donated to The Julian Center, for battered and abused women and children,” noted Executive Director Tanya Ritz-Kirby.  “For two weeks prior, we started asking the students for $5 dollars each or gently used toys.  The student who donated was allowed to receive any service that they wanted.  Those who were not able to give gave services to the students who did give, so everyone benefited in some way,” added Lisa Reams.

In total, the Indianapolis school raised $1,227 for the non-profit shelter, as well as donations of toys and other items.  “I rounded up about 10 students and we loaded up our cars with all that was donated.  We received $150 cash, and before we left I called The Julian Center and asked if there was anything that they needed.  They requested lotions, socks, diapers, and baby wash.  So we stopped at Wal-Mart and spent the money on those items.  Also, our Executive Director Tanya Kirby gave us free hair cut cards to give to the mothers and children,” said Reams.

The toys and gifts were delivered in four full car loads, just in time for Christmas. “The students here have really been excited about helping The Julian Center and our student council is planning several more donation drives for 2009,“ added Ritz-Kirby.  “As an instructor watching these students give with all their hearts and to see the joy it brought them was so emotional and rewarding for me,” said Reams.

The Julian Center is a nonprofit agency providing counseling, safe shelter, and education for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other life crises.  Through outreach and consultation, the organization also seeks to educate the community about the issues of domestic violence and its impact on all our lives.