November 23, 2005
Valdosta - It's a meal fit for a king, or in this case, a group of very deserving queens. "We're giving two turkeys, a ham, we have a spread of pies, cakes and casseroles," said Christine Wetherington, Nursing Student.
This Thanksgiving feast is headed to the Haven Battered Women's Shelter. About a dozen women are living there with their children, after fleeing an abusive relationship. "They don't have anywhere to go, its not like they can leave the shelter for Thanksgiving dinner," said Wetherington.
Spending the holiday with family isn't an option. "People come home for the holidays and that would be the best time for an abuser to check by their parents home," said Wanda Edwards, Haven Board Member.
But thanks to Valdosta State University's College of Nursing, they will get to enjoy a home cooked holiday meal. "They can just enjoy the day and maybe take a little stress and worries off," said Wetherington.
The students raised money to buy enough groceries to feed the Haven's residents, their children, and staff. In class, they're taught how to take care of others and they're continuing those lessons with this project. "It just shows that we care about our community and we can actually do things to make a difference," said Wetherington.
And while the women may not be eating with the families they grew up with, they'll still be surrounded by love. "They make their own family there, they look out for each other," said Edwards.
And most importantly, they'll be safe.
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