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Scott CGOs collecting items for women's shelter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  With the holiday season in full swing, many people use extra time, talent and money to give back to their local communities. The Scott Company Grade Officers' Council is no exception.

After discussing various ideas, including a toy drive, the Scott CGOC decided to collect items for the Violence Prevention Center in Belleville, Ill., which assists women in living free from domestic violence.

The CGOC felt donating to the VPC was what the local area could benefit the most from, said 1st Lt. Sandra Arsenault, 375th Aeromedical Staging Flight clinical nurse.
Now through Dec. 30, the CGOC is collecting items throughout Scott AFB. 

The CGOC's president, Capt. Gregory Orbino said, "As a council, we strive to conduct community service events on a regular basis. In this case, we are fighting back against domestic violence through our support of the VPC."

Lieutenant Arsenault stressed the need for a wide variety of items, from the basics such as soap, to comfort items, like toys and books.

"People need to realize once a victim living in an abusive environment gathers up the courage to leave, she arrives at the shelter with the clothes on her back, her children and little else," said Lieutenant Arsenault. "The basic essentials are the easiest donations to make that can provide the biggest comfort. While we aren't focusing on toys, children are also present at the VPC so toys for varying ages are welcome,"

Other items the center has requested that aren't commonly donated include day care items such as juice boxes and snacks. These items are necessary as the center provides day care while mothers attend a 45-day educational program on domestic violence education also hosted by the center.

As women leave the center, they often do not return to the home situation they came from; as such, the center is also in need of items that would assist in the setup of a new home.

"We want to supply the center with what they need to keep it running," said Lieutenant Arsenault. "Items donated don't have to be family specific, just that they benefit the women and children currently staying there and women and their families in the future."
Captain Orbino said, "We all understand it isn't an easy journey, but with everyone's help, these donations can give the women and their children a second chance for a better life."

The Scott CGOC is a council of junior grade, ranks O-1 to O-3, military officers at Scott. The council focuses on professional development, community service, base support and espirit de corps. They also promote professional development opportunities to civilian government employees.