News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Avalon Center hosting a pet item donation drive throughout October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month work.
Avalon Center Director of Client Services Lacie Norris said part of spreading awareness includes highlighting the overlooked aspects of domestic violence. For example, Norris said people dealing with domestic violence will often seek shelter but cannot support their pets.
“When that person has had to flee a lot of times they are coming in with just what they are able to carry in a bag, the clothes on their back and very few items,” Norris said. “Sometimes some of those things that get overlooked are things like animal supplies, so their food, collars, leashes, bedding, medications, and any of those things.”
Norris said sometimes pets are the reason someone will stay in an abusive relationship. Norris said the Avalon Center is part of the 19 percent of shelters in the United States that allow pets.
“Part of us collecting these things will go to the individuals that stay in our shelter that are able to utilize our pet program,” Norris said. “But it’s also a good chance to provide awareness around the realities for people that these animals are important.”
Norris said in some cases when there is domestic violence there is also animal abuse. Norris said a lot of people look at pets as a child and leaving them behind is not an option for them.
“These animals are their support system sometimes,” Norris said. “It’s how they are able to emotionally cope with their circumstances or situation. It’s their friend, it’s their safe person, it’s someone that’s not hurting them.”
Norris said they are predominantly needing items for dogs and cats but will take items for other types of pets as well. Noris said they are not looking to reach a certain goal but to get as many items and supplies as they can.
The Avalon Center is located at 196 Tenth Street in Crossville. For those out of county and are interested in donating you can call the Avalon Center and they can schedule a time and place to meet and accept the donations.
