On average, one in three women will be physically abused by a significant other within their lifetime.
The ladies of the Theta Nu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity have taken the initiative to extend a helping hand to victims of domestic violence with their women’s clothing drive.
The music organization is accepting new or gently used women’s clothing to donate to The Chelsea House of Tallahassee.
The Chelsea House of Tallahassee is a transitional living program that shelters single women in need and offers emotional and spiritual support. It is an extension of the Good Samaritan Network which is a Christian organization that offers food, clothing, shelter, and hope. The program was specifically designed to establish stability and self-reliance for its residents.
When asked what this drive meant to her, FAMU student Taylor Jones said, “Personally, the drive means a lot because I feel like it’s a way for me to give back to the community through something I love. I love clothes, so to be able to share that with someone else means a lot.”
Sigma Alpha Iota holds the clothing drive annually in part with their “Saving Our Sisters” recital.
“Every fall semester, we hold this recital to bring awareness to domestic abuse,” said Zuri Montgomery, the leader of this year’s clothing drive. “I actually saw the work of The Chelsea House through my church, so I pitched the idea of donating clothes there.”
FAMU student Jessica Allen gave a passionate response when asked what her message was to her fellow classmates in regard to domestic violence. “It has no face. There is no specific look, situation, age group, race, socioeconomic factor, or sexual orientation. Domestic violence is relevant and often downplayed and made light of,” said Allen. “I just want there to be more of a sense of urgency.”
Sigma Alpha Theta’s “Saving Our Sisters” recital will be held Oct. 27 at 8:15 p.m. in FAMU’s Foster Tanner Recital Hall. The event is free to the public.
Those looking to donate clothing may do so at the three donation stations which are all currently set up at FAMU: FAMU Village-East, the Benjamin L. Perry building, or the Foster-Tanner music building lobby. Sigma Alpha Theta will be collecting donations through Oct. 20.