SPARC Contact:
Sexual and Physical Abuse Resource Center Judy Johns
P.O. Box 5099 Suite 93 (904) 377-5690
Gainesville, Fla. 32602-5099
(904) 377-5690


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


JOY FOR THE HOLIDAYS


With the holidays right around the corner, it is important to remember those

people less fortunate than ourselves. SPARC, as well as many of the other nonprofit

service organizations in Gainesville, tries to help those people in our community who are

less fortunate and may be in need during the holiday season.

The community can help SPARC provide food, clothing, toys and other necessities

to families in our community to make their holiday season a little brighter. Donations of

these items are accepted at SPARC and will be distributed to battered women and children

in our area.

Food, clothing and other essentials are always needed by families in our area.

SPARC supplies food, clothing and the other donated essentials to many of the women

who use SPARC's services. These items are also needed at the emergency shelter for the

women and children who use the facilities.

Various toy drives and donation drives are held during the holiday season.

SPARK of Joy, sponsored by Greshams Drug Stores and TV20, collects new, unwrapped

toys for various nonprofit agencies around Gainesville. SPARC is one of the agencies that

benefits from this donation drive. The toys are distributed to the various nonprofit


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organizations. The organizations then distribute the toys to families and children who

would otherwise not have gifts at Christmas. Donations will be accepted at all of the

Greshams Drug Stores in Gainesville and at TV20.

Regardless of the manner in which you choose to show support during the holiday

season, remember that there are many people less fortunate than you. It is important to

show support during the holiday season to ensure that everyone in our community can

have a joyous holiday season.

"Programs like 'SPARK of Joy' are wonderful for the nonprofit organizations at

this time of year. Last year's program brought in a great number of toys. We thought it

was a huge success. I hope the community will respond in kind this holiday season," said

SPARC's Executive Director Dr. Mary Nutter.

For more information on SPARK of Joy, call Robin at 377-2020. For information

about donating food, clothing or other necessities, call Judy at SPARC at 377-5690.


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