The Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre in Portage la Prairie recently had a volunteer step up to help provide Christmas gift items for women in need.

Amy Miller says she heard about their need a few years ago just before Christmas.

"A few Christmases ago I heard, right before Christmas, on the radio that they were short of gifts for the women at the shelter for the holidays. When I called the lady to ask, 'What do you need,' it was pretty average. It was a list of things: Shampoo and cream rinse, body spray, bubble bath, make-up, lip chap, journals for them to write their thoughts in, maybe be a nice pen, hand cream, crosswords or sudoku's. And actually, she said socks are something that they're very short on. And, because it's gifts, then they also can include gum, candy canes, chocolates, things like that. She said this year that they're actually short on children's toys. So, gifts and even things from the Dollar Store, including squishy toys, puzzles, hot wheels, little dolls or cars or trucks, are appreciated. And she said they will also accept used toys. They don't give them to the children for Christmas, but they'll use them for the children to play with everyday, things like that; birthday parties. They also would like to receive craft kits or craft supplies for the children."

This year Miller says she came up with another way to help.

"I actually put an ad on PortageOnline. I had some yarn that I bought, and I think I'm going to make magical things with it. Then my kids ended up gluing it for crafts. So, I put an ad online, and said I have some yarn. If anyone has a talent for crochet or knitting I will bring it to you, and if you would like to knit a nice hat for a lady for a Christmas gift, then we can use teamwork and just make them something nice."

Robin Bourke (photo submitted)Shelter supervisor and case manager Robin Bourke explains how Amy contacted them.

"She was quite interested in helping donate to the Abuse Prevention Centre, and asking about items we could sue for the Christmas season and throughout the year. She's asking about the shoe-boxes, and what kind of items would be good to put in them for the women that come here. She was also asking about other items we could use."

Sweat pants and sports bras are also much in need.

There is a list of things they do not want: candles, peanut butter, nuts, hairspray, mittens and belts.

To donate, contact the women's shelter at (204) 239-5234.

You can contact Amy Miller by email at: ayoller@yahoo.com