The deadline to donate to the Grunion Gazette’s 2025 Gift Card Drive — an annual campaign that helps people who have survived domestic violence enjoy the holidays and rebuild their lives — is nearly here.
This year’s donation drive, the 22nd year running, launched on Nov. 20 and is scheduled to end on Sunday, Dec. 21. Since its establishment by former Grunion Gazette Executive Editor (and current columnist) Harry Saltzgaver in 2004, the campaign has raised more than $350,000 for WomenShelter of Long Beach’s clients.
WomenShelter of Long Beach has served as a crucial resource for domestic violence survivors and their children since 1977. The nonprofit, over the past few decades, has majorly expanded its services and now offers many programs — including safe housing, an emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, legal advocacy and more.
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal awarded the WomenShelter of Long Beach “Nonprofit of the Month,” for Aug. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. The nonprofit’s Domestic Violence Resource Center uses art to help children and adult express themselves and help them deal with different trauma they can be facing due to domestic violence. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal speaking with board members and staff of the WomenShelter of Long Beach. He awarded them as the “Nonprofit of the Month,” for Aug., on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Some WomenShelter staff members put Christmas stockings together for children being served by the agency. (Courtesy WomenShelter Long Beach)
Gift cards are piling up for WomenShelter of Long Beach. (File photo by Jesse Lopez)
Show Caption
1 of 4
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal awarded the WomenShelter of Long Beach “Nonprofit of the Month,” for Aug. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. The nonprofit’s Domestic Violence Resource Center uses art to help children and adult express themselves and help them deal with different trauma they can be facing due to domestic violence. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
More than 14,000 people use WSLB’s services each year, according to the nonprofit’s executive director and CEO, Kent Wallace-Meggs. Through the donation drive, the Grunion Gazette collects donations of gift cards and cash that are distributed to WomenShelter’s clients during the holidays and beyond — helping them have a normal holiday season, and re-establish their lives after leaving their abusers.
“Your gift card donation changes lives. It’s not just a card; it’s dignity, stability, and hope. You’re not just donating; you are helping a survivor take the next step toward safety and independence,” Wallace-Meggs said previously. “Your generosity provides real, practical support and sends a powerful message to families who are hurting: you are seen, you are valued, and this community cares. Every gift card, no matter the amount, directly helps someone begin again.”
While the Grunion Gazette did not set a concrete goal for this year’s donation campaign, Saltzgaver and the WomenShelter are hoping for a surge in contributions as the deadline to donate draws nearer.
So far, the campaign has raised fewer than $10,000.
“I always get worried this time of year because the total is so low,” Saltzgaver said. “But in past years, our readers have always come through with a last-minute surge. I sure hope that’s the case this year, because it’s really needed.”
This year, we’ve done our best to make donating easier than ever before.
As always, donations of gift cards or cash can be sent to WomenShelter’s Resource Center, 4201 Long Beach Blvd., Suite 102, or mailed to P.O. Box 17098, Long Beach, CA 90807. There’s also an option to donate online at womenshelterlb.org.
Gift cards from stores like Walmart, Target and other major retailers are preferred since they provide survivors with the most variety to suit their individual needs — but all donations are welcomed and appreciated.
This year, donations can also be made to drop-boxes at the following locations:
Belmont Shore Optometric, 5219 2nd St.
Dainty Disco, 3972 Atlantic Ave.
LB Swag, 5304 Second St.
Frosted Cupcakery, 4817 Second St.
Drop-offs can be made during each store’s regular business hours.
“During the holiday season, especially, these gift cards help families feel a sense of normalcy. For survivors who have endured so much, being able to create even a small moment of joy, stability, or routine can be profoundly healing,” Wallace-Meggs said. “And because we distribute gift cards throughout the year, they continue to support families long after the holidays end.”
This year’s Gift Card Drive will run through Sunday — meaning you still have time to help make the holiday season special for someone who truly needs that reminder.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect an extended end date for the Gift Card Drive.