BEAUMONT, Texas — In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Sabine Federal Credit Union has taken in donations of blankets from its staff and the community to donate.
The Sabine Federal Credit Union and the Queenship of Mary #2776 Catholic Daughters of America donated blankets to the Family Services Women & Children’s Shelter Tuesday.
"It has gone to Women and Children's Shelter on Fannin street and they always accept donation and they really really need these blankets," Debra Johnson, with the Regent of Court for the Queenship of Mary #2776 Catholic Daughters, said.
Blanket cover more than just a physical need.
"I know like my kids just love to have a real soft blanket makes them feel comforted, that makes them feel warm, hopefully secure," Kristi Carrier, CEO of Sabine Credit Federal Unit, said.
The organization and credit union are collecting the blanket in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?"
"He preached a service and he preached humanity, kindness and love," Johnson said. "So in honor of his birthday, which would be Monday, we wanted to do something in service to others."
Regent of Court for the Queenship of Mary #2776 Catholic Daughters. Johnson said that she wanted to make Friday the 13th a day of love.
"The need is more prevalent than even I ever imagined," Johnson said.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and their children, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
The organization also says that many women and children face homelessness as they flee violent and abusive homes.
"Sometimes when they come to the shelter they have nothing absolutely nothing but the clothes on their back," Johnson said.
According to National Alliance to End Homelessness' website, domestic violence is a common experience among youth, single adults and families who become homeless.
"It seems like anytime there's a need in the community, and it's put out there somebody's gonna step up and help and I think it's just a wonderful outpouring of love that we show each other," Carrier said.
Many survivors turn to homeless service programs seeking a safe temporary place because they do not have the financial resources to secure or maintain housing after leaving an abusive relationship.
It's one of those kind of quiet things no one talks about, domestic violence, but they feel encouraged because someone obviously knows about it.