I won’t pretend that it has been a great year so far in our little corner of the world – you know I like to tell it like it is, and it is painful to watch so many people in need.
The latest food assistance fiasco was just part of a long stream of pain points. It’s been pretty depressing for me, and likely for you.
But I have a solution.
When I’m down in the dumps, one thing that’s sure to perk me up is to help someone who is in an even worse situation than I am. And I’m here to perk you up – here’s a chance to help with the 22nd annual Grunion Gazette Gift Card Drive to benefit the victims served by WomenShelter of Long Beach as we enter the holiday season.
This Christmas tradition brings a little joy into the lives of children and women suffering through one of the toughest times of their lives – attempting to escape from a life of domestic violence. For most of these victims, they are starting over quite literally from scratch – just getting away from the abuse is a win, but they often have little or nothing in the form of physical possessions when they do.
Our gift card drive tries to help. The WomenShelter staff distributes cards to adults so they can put food on the Christmas table, have a present for the children on Christmas morning, buy some new clothes to start school in January and more.
“It is hard to fully capture the impact these gift cards have on the individuals and families we serve,” said Kent Wallace-Meggs, Executive Director & CEO of WomenShelter of Long Beach. “For survivors, gift cards are more than holiday support because they offer freedom of choice at a time when so much has been taken from them. They remind survivors who are navigating some of the toughest moments of their lives that our community sees them, cares for them, and is standing with them. The practical support matters deeply, and the emotional affirmation means just as much.”
WomenShelter’s work spans hosting a hotline, operating an emergency shelter, providing counseling to victims and their children, connecting with social and legal services, supplying immediate needs, conducting educational outreach and more. The agency was created in 1977 and has grown over the years – unfortunately, the need has grown as well.
In the year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the last year figures are available, WomenShelter provided service of one kind or another to 13,342 people. That includes men, women and children – and yes, men are victims of domestic abuse too.
I can go on about the great need at WomenShelter, and probably will during the next month of our drive. But I know Long Beach’s heart, and I know I can count on you to help.
How do I know? Twenty-one years of experience. In those 21 years, when the Grunion Gazette Gift Card Drive asked readers to donate a gift card or two, to write a check or make an online donation, you responded to the tune of more than $350,000.
That response held strong straight through the Great Recession of 2008, and COVID-19 pandemic.
I’ll admit there was a bit of a dip last year, but we still managed to collect more than $30,000. That made a huge difference for many at Christmas, and helped provide necessities after the holiday season too.
We have a bit of an incentive again this year, too. Anyone donating $50 or more in cash or gift cards will be entered into a drawing for a table of 10 at the Long Beach Symphony’s Sounds of Laurel Canyon Pops concert on March 21, 2026. Thanks much to the symphony and KellyRuggirello for joining us in this effort.
In the last few years, the daily Press-Telegram has joined in the drive, and P-T readers have added their generosity to the cause. The P-T is the Grunion’s sister publication, with both owned by the Southern California News Group, and I truly appreciate the partnership. Their efforts are even more impressive when you consider they and the Torrance Daily Breeze are also at work on their Let’s Play Ball campaign to get balls of all shapes and sizes for the Boys and Girls Clubs in the region.
Making a donation is easy. If you want to donate gift cards, cards from WalMart, Target and grocery stores are preferred because they are so versatile. You can drop them off at the WomenShelter’s Resource Center, 4201 Long Beach Blvd., Suite 102, or at drop boxes in stores around the city.
You can also mail cards or checks to Grunion Gift Card Drive, P.O. Box 17098, Long Beach, CA 90807. Finally, you can donate directly online at the WomenShelter website, www.womenshelterlb.org. Go to the bottom of the home page and click on the Support The Grunion Holiday Gift Card Drive link or Donation Form.
I’m counting on you. Together, we can make this holiday a bit brighter for some people who truly need it. And it will put a smile on your face, too!
Thanks in advance. I really appreciate it.