Utah domestic violence shelter asks for TV donations
Nov 27, 2024, 9:00 AM
A poster hangs on the wall at South Valley Services. (South Valley Services)
(South Valley Services)
SALT LAKE CITY — South Valley Services is asking for TV donations. The emergency shelter provides services to men, women, and children, and South Valley Services Director Lindsey Boyer said the TVs help kids feel more at home.
“We’re trying to create a haven of safety and to create that feeling. We try to look at ways that normalize the home environment. So, if we have curtains playing in the background, even if it’s just background noise, it kind of creates some familiarity,” said Boyer.
According to Boyer, TV creates a warm community in the shelter’s living room.
“They might not even be paying attention to the TV. They might not even be watching the cartoons, but it does create a warm kind of community. And for the kids to come hang out together and color together on the floor and just be kids, and kind of go into their child, developmentally appropriate world, and forget about, you know, the fear and the chaos that’s going on, for just a moment,” said Boyer.
Additionally, South Valley Services’ child advocates want to help their environment be warm and welcoming. About 50% of the people they serve are kids, according to Boyer.
One of their main goals is to provide a space where kids can be kids without worrying about the challenges they’re facing.
“If you come into an environment where it’s a communal living environment, with several households, brand new people, you know, [total] strangers and you don’t know what the future holds and you’re scared and you don’t know anybody around you. It can feel scarier than it needs to,” said Boyer.
South Valley Services seeking other items
SVS is also asking for hats, gloves, coats, socks, and anything else that lets a kid be a kid.
“So when you take your mindset and you step into that developmental stage of a child, you know, at whatever given age they’re at, and think what’s important to them what’s exciting to them, [and what] feels safe and welcoming to them,” said Boyer. “It’s just an easy way to help them look around and see signals of some normality and safety.”
Gift cards can also be donated. According to Boyer, they can be one of the best options because their clients can use them on the things they need most.
Visit their website for more information on donating items, money, or time.
Related: Organizations that help the homeless need donations as cold weather hits
