Help Safe Nest Bring the Holidays to Domestic Violence Survivors  

The holidays can be a joyous time surrounded by laughter and cheer with family and friends. But for many women and children, the holidays can be a dark and cold time as they struggle to rebuild their lives after leaving a domestic violence situation.

Spreading joy to those affected by domestic violence can be as easy as dropping off a gift card or paying a parking ticket. To ensure that these women and children have the very best holiday possible, Safe Nest has four ways Nevada families can give the gift of hope, love and joy to their program recipients this holiday season.
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Safe Nest will hold a Gift Card drive to assist with making the holidays brighter for those who reside at their shelter. Gift Cards are especially needed for single women and teens who are coping with domestic violence as they are often the forgotten ones during the holidays.�Gift Cards of all denominations are being collected at Pawn Plaza (725 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.�

Stars of HISTORY's "Pawn Stars" are providing autographed items to surprise lucky donors with and hope to stop by to support the fundraising efforts by Safe Nest, a favorite charity of The Old Man.�As schedules are confirmed for possible appearances, announcements will be made via social media.� Gift Cards that can be used for clothing, toiletries, etc. are greatly appreciated.

A problem that impacts the safety and well-being of individuals, families and communities throughout Southern Nevada, domestic violence can take on multiple forms including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, financial control and social isolation.� It affects all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or religion.�

Safe Nest serves battered women (or men), children or teens affected by family violence, adolescents in violent dating relationships, offending partners, family member or significant others impacted by the violence, at-risk individuals, and the community at large by offering a variety of programming and services including counseling, crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, residential services, protection order assistance and employment/life-skill classes.� Safe Nest aims to put a stop to all immediate abuse and break the cycle of abuse for generations to come.�

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Safe Nest has also partnered with the Las Vegas City Council for "Toys for Tickets" to provide toys for the kids at Safe Nest this holiday.� Those with non-public safety-related parking tickets issued Nov. 15-Nov. 30 can opt to provide a new, non-violent and unwrapped toy or toys of equal or greater value than the ticket fine.�

To participate, drivers must bring the parking ticket, as well as a receipt for the toy(s).� Toys and tickets will be collected until Dec. 15 at the city of Las Vegas Parking Service Office (City Hall Parking Garage at 500 S. Main St.).�Hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, excluding holidays. Please note public safety and handicap-related parking tickets are excluded.�
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For those individuals looking to upgrade their car, Safe Nest has once again partnered with Subaru of Las Vegas for their national "Share the Love" campaign. For each Subaru bought now through Jan. 3, 2017, Subaru will donate $250 to the organization when buyers choose Safe Nest at the time of purchase.�This fundraiser is only valid at Subaru of Las Vegas at 5385 W. Sahara Ave.� Safe Nest will also spread awareness at the popular dealership Saturday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. along with providing entertainment from local musicians, choirs, magicians, and more.�
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Established in 1977, Safe Nest is Nevada's largest and most comprehensive non-profit agency devoted solely to domestic violence issues.� Serving approximately 50,000 people annually, Safe Nest's programs include a 24-hour confidential shelter, a 24-hour hotline and protection order services, counseling, advocacy, court assistance, and prevention education.�
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Giving is also just a mouse-click away, by visiting www.safenest.org. Donations can be made for the holidays by designating "holiday" or can be made year round.