Bless What You Release represents a movement that embodies a sacred rhythm of survival, renewal, and shared strength. The end of year holidays are coming—and with them, the perfect chance to turn generosity into action. In this season of gratitude and giving, donate not just to clear clutter for yourself, but to bless families in crisis when needs are greatest. While many of us hold on to more than we need, we also hold the power to change lives instantly.
🧣 By releasing what no longer serves you, you offer more than objects—you offer comfort, dignity, and hope. Every blanket, book, or jacket becomes warmth for a child, relief for a survivor, and strength for a family rebuilding.
🌟 With each donation, you go beyond tidying up—you ignite a chain of healing, generosity, and shared joy. As you prepare your home for the holidays, remember: what is extra for you may be essential for someone else.
July 2025: Domestic Violence Homicides Double in Cook County
Domestic violence homicides have surged sharply in Cook County. Although overall homicide rates declined in 2025, the proportion tied to domestic violence nearly doubled from 9% in 2024 to 17% by July. Since December, 39 women in Chicago have lost their lives in domestic-related cases.
Escalating Crisis
Meanwhile, this rise follows a 60% increase in domestic violence homicides between 2020 and 2023. Consequently, this year’s spike signals not only another alarming trend but also an urgent public safety emergency. Survivors continue to endure delayed justice, uneven protections, and dangerous gaps in safety systems.
Reform in Motion
In response, Cook County has acted decisively. Leaders launched a Special Victims Bureau staffed with 75 prosecutors trained in trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices. Furthermore, prosecutors now pursue pretrial detention in every domestic violence, stalking, and sex offense case involving weapons—a step designed to stop violence before it escalates further.
Why It Matters
“Shelters cannot do this alone. Survivors need tangible support—from toothpaste to teddy bears. Every donation counts.”
— Kelly Dunne, COO, The Hotline
Altogether, this surge demands sustained reform and stronger survivor support. Communities require better case management, faster court intervention, and consistent protections to break the cycle of violence. Ultimately, only through continued vigilance, resource investment, and survivor-centered reform can Cook County reverse this deadly trend.
The Ripple Effect: How Generosity Transforms Lives
Each item you release immediately sets off a chain of care. As a result, strength builds, hope restores, and someone rises.
📊 According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, more than 70,000 survivors seek help every day from shelters and hotlines in the United States. Yet many arrive with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. In these moments, your donation bridges the gap between crisis and stability.
🧣 A single coat can protect a child waiting for a school bus in winter.
📚 A donated book can comfort a teenager adjusting to a shelter.
🧴 A bundle of toiletries can restore dignity for a mother who fled violence in the middle of the night.
Because every contribution matters, the ripple effect grows quickly. When immediate needs are met, shelters can redirect scarce funds into long-term solutions—housing, trauma recovery, job training, and legal protections.
💡 Research shows that survivors who receive consistent community support are 60% more likely to secure safe housing and rebuild independence within one year. That means your extra blanket, jacket, or backpack is not simply an object—it becomes part of a survivor’s journey toward healing, empowerment, and freedom.
Ultimately, generosity does more than provide supplies. It restores dignity, reduces suffering, and accelerates recovery. Your choice to release what you no longer need sends a clear message: “You are valued. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.”
Turn Waste Into Relief
Rather than let items gather dust, give them purpose. When you donate, you immediately provide warmth, nourishment, and comfort. In that moment, your extra transforms into someone else’s lifeline—and your choice sets healing in motion.
Restore Essential Dignity
“We must think beyond cash. Giving goods meets immediate needs with lasting impact.”
— Wick, Domestic Violence Fundraising Expert, Sharity Global
Beyond survival, people long to feel valued. By giving toiletries, clean clothes, or warm blankets, you affirm dignity and worth. Your generosity declares: “You matter. You are not alone.”
Free Resources for Long-Term Change
When your donations meet urgent needs, shelters quickly redirect funds toward housing, recovery, and protection. As a result, healing accelerates—for survivors and for the community. Step by step, generosity builds momentum. One choice sparks hope. One act ignites change.
Step 1: Reflect and Curate with Purpose
Walk through each room and take inventory. Ask: What items could bring relief or stability to someone escaping violence? Think beyond clothing—include towels, shoes, cookware, or hygiene products. Be intentional. Choose only clean, usable items you’d be proud to give.
Step 2: Choose a Trusted Charity Partner
Next, research organizations serving families in crisis. Prioritize domestic violence shelters or transitional housing programs. Many publish urgent needs lists. Since 57% of unhoused women cite domestic violence as the cause of their homelessness, choosing the right charity ensures your donation reaches those most at risk.
Step 3: Take Immediate, Thoughtful Action
Finally, act without delay. Once you’ve gathered your items, deliver them, schedule a pickup, or fulfill a shelter’s online wishlist. Each step moves quickly from intention to impact.
Local Donation Options (Chicago Area)
| Organization | Website | Address & Hours | Phone Number | Donation Types Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINGS | wingsprogram.com | 1265 Oakton St, Elk Grove Village, IL. Mon–Sat 8am–4pm (drop-off), Resale Shop 10am–5pm | (224) 938-3902 | Clothing, shoes, linens, books, housewares, furniture (by appointment) |
| CAWC | cawc.org | 1116 N Kedzie Ave, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL. Mon–Fri 10am–4pm (by appointment) | (773) 489-9081 | Diapers, toiletries, baby items, gift cards, new clothing |
| Deborah’s Place | deborahsplace.org | 2822 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | Contact via website | Household items, toiletries, clothing (call ahead) |
| Neopolitan Lighthouse | neopolitanlighthouse.org | Call for address & appointment | (312) 964-5056 | Clothing, toys, kitchenware, toiletries, cleaning products, gift cards |
National Donation Organizations
| Organization | Website | Locations Served | Donation Types Accepted |
| The Salvation Army | satruck.org | Nationwide: pickup and drop-off searchable by ZIP | Clothing, furniture, household goods, appliances, electronics |
| Cradles to Crayons | cradlestocrayons.org | Drop boxes and donation centers in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, NYC | Children’s clothing, shoes, diapers, books, school supplies |
| Share Our Spare | shareourspare.org | Drop-off at Chicago warehouse or pickup in Chicagoland | Baby items, diapers, formula, clothes, strollers, wipes |
| Anew: Building Beyond Violence | anewdv.org | Homewood, IL and online wish list | Gift cards, toiletries, paper products, food, phones for recycling |
Other Bless What You Release Resources
No one should navigate abuse alone. Resources below offer immediate and sustained support:
- Alcohol’s Hidden Everyday Impact
- CoDA.org– Online Meetings
- Domestic Violence Healing Strategies – Dawn Christine Simmons
- Foster Cats Loving Homes – Dawn Christine Simmons
- Free Alcohol Screening Tool
- Global Healthcare and Managed Wellness Centers of Excellence
- Health Recovery: Alcohol Abuse – Dawn Christine Simmons
- Immigrants and Substance and Alcohol Use Disorder-A Legal and Medical Perspective
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. Access thehotline.org for safety plans and support networks.
- National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): Use nnedv.org for shelter maps, policy advocacy, and survivor resources.
- RAINN: Call 1-800-656-HOPE for confidential support related to sexual abuse.
- WomensLaw.org: Explore legal resources tailored by state at womenslaw.org.
- United Way 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org for 24/7 access to shelter, healthcare, legal aid, and social services.