At this time of the year, I am reminded of how much I have for which to be grateful. Family, friends, fulfilling work, good health, support and much love. Unfortunately, not all of us can say that, and some of us cannot find comfort or safety at home.

In two days (December 2), I'm walking in this year’s Hot Chocolate Run to help and support victims of domestic violence. This great event raises funds for Safe Passage, the organization addressing domestic violence in Hampshire County. This is an important cause and I am counting on YOU to help out. Any amount can help, so please give what you can. Perhaps the cost of a weekly mug of hot chocolate for one month? Or your daily coffee for one week? The cost of the treats we give ourselves can pay for bare necessities for someone who cannot find comfort at home.
 
Safe Passage relies on support from people like us to fund their programming--including an emergency shelter program, individual counseling and support groups, legal services, a 24-hour hotline and more. Here are some examples of what these services cost:

$20: Emergency funds for a woman to purchase groceries or diapers
$45: A one-hour counseling session for a woman seeking help for the first time
$80: One weekly drop-in group session for survivors of domestic violence
$100: An hour of ASL interpreting for a deaf survivor's counseling session
$135: Three sessions for children who have witnessed domestic violence
$500: A month of on-call advocacy for victims of domestic violence police calls

All contributions are tax-deductible, and you’ll receive an emailed receipt immediately after you donate.

Thank you so much for your support!  If you want to learn more about the event, visit http://hotchocolaterun.com.

Thank you very much,
Elena