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Newport News Police Department holding donation drive for survivors of domestic violence

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — The Newport News Police Department’s Domestic Violence Team will be collecting donations for survivors of domestic violence, starting Oct. 1, 2022, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

“One of the things to be mindful of is when is that person ready to leave that relationship and providing them with resources. That is a huge barrier for someone to escape safely. So, calling on the community to come forward with resources to be able to help remove those barriers is a step up and a leg up to help a victim toward safety,” Cheryl Chavers, NNPD Domestic Violence Unit Specialist, told WAVY.


The donations will benefit Transitions Family Violence Services. They are seeking brand new items from this list: 

Gift cards are especially needed, with a preference for Visa, Mastercard, grocery store gift cards, gas cards, transportation cards (such as Uber and Lyft) and day bus passes. Gift cards can only be dropped off at NNPD Headquarters, at 9710 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA. 

All other items can be dropped off at any of these drop-off locations: 

Photo courtesy the Newport News Police Department.

Donations for the drive will be accepted through the end of October, and all donated items will be given to Transitions Family Violence Services at the end of the month.  

“The more awareness we have out there in law enforcement and in other entities I think makes things better. I don’t know that it will ever be able to live in a perfect world where it doesn’t happen. I think it’s important to let individuals know that there is hope and there are people who care,” said Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew.

Transitions Family Violence Services also accepts donations year-round. To learn more about their services, or to donate online, click here

If you or you know someone who may be a victim of domestic violence or child abuse, click here for a list of local and national resources.