Adopt a family for Christmas

COEUR d'ALENE - Looking for a family to "adopt" for Christmas? The North Idaho Violence Prevention Center would love to hear from you.

The nonprofit center, based in Coeur d'Alene and formerly known as the Women's Center, offers services free of charge to victims and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and rape. Services include emergency shelter, court advocacy and crisis counseling.

The families needing adopting are the agency's clients, people who have used their services in the past year.

"We've adopted out 47 families so far. I have 11 other families looking," said Bobbi Bild, coordinator of the center's Adopt-A-Family program.

The families are nominated for the program by the center's advocates who work with them.

Many of the families that need help have had to relocate because of domestic violence or sexual abuse. Some have left their abusers: "Literally, with just the clothes on their backs," Bild said.

The families have lists of needs that are given to those adopting them. Most of the items are basic necessities, Bild said, and usually include a toy or treat for a child.

"We like to make sure they have something to open," Bild said.

For those who want to get involved, but don't want to commit to adopting a family, Bild said they can always use gift cards for food stores or gas.

Clients who are being sheltered sometimes have a car, but no income for gas.

"They need to go to appointments and job interviews," Bild said. "That would be a wonderful gift. $20 would make a huge difference."

Anyone interested in helping, should call the violence prevention center, (208)664-9303, or email Bild at: [email protected]