Many agencies are appealing for your help these days as tougher economic times put added stresses on local families.
Women’s Centre Grey Bruce is no different.
They’ve recently sent out a flyer to homes around the region seeking financial donations as well as help with their Adopt a Family program for the holidays.
Executive Director Patty Kelly says at any one time they have about 15 to 20 women staying at the shelter.
She says they also field between 200 to 300 calls on their crisis line each month.
Kelly says when times are tough, what they tend to see are more women staying in abusive situations, to keep the family together.
She says aside from the shelter — they offer several other services including counselling and second stage housing where women and their children are set up in an apartment after coming out of the shelter.
The Women’s Centre is also looking for assistance with their Adopt a Family program with gifts for kids and also for moms.
Kelly says some are spending their first Christmas on their own.