Goody’s, located in the Village Center Mall, and Cato’s, in Woodland Plaza, partnered with the Harlan County Domestic Violence Council to make Christmas spirits brighter for the women and children who are currently living in Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Shelter. These women and children have left their homes, jobs, schools and most extended family to find safe shelter from domestic violence.

Both Goody’s and Cato’s hosted a very special Christmas tree, decorated with angels, each representing a woman or child living in shelter. Each angel had a name, age and suggestions for gifts. Customers were asked to choose an angel, shop for this person, and return wrapped gift with the original angel tag to the store. HCDVC members then picked up the gifts and delivered them to the shelter.

“The Angel Trees were very successful and certainly brightened the spirits of our residents. We are very appreciative of the generosity of Harlan County and the collaboration with these two retailers,” said Sheryl Caudel, Harlan County’s Domestic Violence Council victim advocate.

Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services provides safe shelter to victims of domestic violence, serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle and Whitley counties.

If you are in abusive relationship and need help, call the CVDVS 24-hour crisis line at 800-755-5348. To speak with the Harlan County Domestic Violence Council victim advocate, call 606-392-1129.