NASHVILLE, TN, Dec. 8, 2008 – The Tennessee Titans will host their final stadium drive as they team up with the Nashville YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter for the "YWCA Kid's Drive" at LP Field during their final regular season game on Sunday, Dec. 21st at 12:00PM as the Titans take on the Steelers.!
From L to R: Tracy Olson, Pat Shea, Jennifer Loper, Tresa Halbrooks and Daniel Loper have lent their time and support to the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter.
Titans fans attending the game are asked to bring new underwear and socks for children ages newborn through 18 years old. The YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter needs:
• New Kids Underwear: Boys & Girls – ALL Sizes
• New Socks – All Sizes
The collection of new kid's underwear and socks will take place from 10:00AM until the end of the first quarter. The YWCA will have volunteers stationed at the seven charity drop sites around LP Field to collect donations.
"Children are the silent victims of domestic violence and they come to us with few possessions," said Pat Shea, CEO of the YWCA. "We have a good supply of used clothing for them but everyone deserves new underwear and socks. We need new, still packaged donations of underwear and socks to help us provide these children with dignity and comfort as we help them heal."
In the 2008, the YWCA provided shelter, safety and counseling to 318 women and 229 children. The YWCA helps families leave abusive households and start new lives. The YWCA exists to educate, encourage and break down those barriers that perpetuate racism, violence and hopelessness.
The Tennessee Titans have developed a relationship with the YWCA over the last two years through various events, appearances and efforts by the Titans Women's Association. This past April, Tresa Halbrooks, Titans Community Relations Manager was the featured speaker at the YWCA "Breakfast of Champions" and in October, Titans players, wives and alumni held a unique shopping event at the Hill Center to benefit the YWCA. In addition, the Titans wives have hosted the women and children from the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter for a special dinner event.
"Working with the YWCA was an opportunity for women to help women," said Tracy Olson, wife of former Titan Benji Olson and dinner event co-chair along with Jennifer Loper, wife of Titan Daniel Loper. "It's important to the wives to work with a charity that focuses on enriching the lives of women in need and their children. The YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter is the right place for us to do just that. We hope Titans fans will help us by donating these much needed items for kids."
This drive will mark the eighth and final stadium drive by the Titans during the 2008 season. Previous collections included school supplies, cell phones, coats, food, baby items, shoes and toys to benefit various non-profit agencies and those in need. Titans fans continue to show why they are the best in the NFL by participating in these donation drives to help fellow Tennesseans who are less fortunate.
For more information about the YWCA, log on to their website at www.ywcanashville.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call the YWCA (615) 242-1199 or 1 (800) 334-4628.
