Women of FSU and Pierpont Donate Gifts to HOPE, Inc.

 A car loaded with presents arrived at HOPE, Inc. today, Dec. 2, thanks to the generosity of a network of women helping women. On Dec. 1 at the Shaw House on the main campus shared by Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College, FSU Interim President Maria Rose and Pierpont President Doreen Larson hosted a group of about 100 women for a Holiday Tea.

The Women of FSU and Pierpont (faculty, staff, board members and spouses of faculty, staff and board members) were invited to attend the event and to support the United Way agency HOPE, Inc. Those attending the tea provided gifts to help brighten the spirit of the women at HOPE, Inc., which is a shelter for the victims of domestic violence.

“Most of the time at Christmas, people buy and donate gifts for children, but these ladies are forgotten,” Harriet Sutton, Executive Director of HOPE, Inc., told the Times West Virginian. “This gives them something for themselves, boosts their self-esteem, makes them feel hopeful. That’s what makes this event unique.”

Because of groups like this one, every woman and child at the shelter will receive a Christmas gift.

The women of HOPE are in need of items such as underwear, sleepwear, slippers, jewelry, lotions, make-up and umbrellas. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled as to their size and contents.

It’s not too late to help. For more information, call the HOPE hotline at (304) 367-1100 and ask for Athena.

About the photo: Pictured from left to right are Dr. Maria Rose, Harriet Sutton, Dana Riedeman and Dr. Doreen Larson.

Maria RoseDoreen LarsonHarriet SuttonDana RiedemanHoliday TeaWomen of Fairmont State and PierpontHOPE Inc.