DVIP Hosts Holiday Gift Drive

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The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is partnering with local organizations on a holiday toy and adult gift drive from November 4th through December 23rd. The gifts collected during the drive will provide inventory for DVIP’s Holiday Store program, which provides free gifts for the children and families receiving shelter and outreach services during the past calendar year. 

 Participating locations include:

  • Scheels (Coralville)
  • Iowa City Public Library 
  • Bluebird Diner (North Liberty)
  • Orschelns (Iowa City)
  • First Presbyterian Church (Iowa City)
  • Red’s Ale House (North Liberty)
  • Lepic-Kroeger Realtors (Iowa City)
  • Iowa Gym-Nest (Coralville)
  • Applebees (Coralville)
  • Zen Salon & Spa (Downtown Iowa City)

Requested gift items include: 

  • Squishmallows
  • Bluetooth headphones
  • Chargers for phones and tablets
  • Minecraft toys
  • Infant toys
  • Self-care items for teen girls
  • Parent gifts

Each location will host a toy and gift collection barrel with attached shopping lists. The items collected during the drive will provide free holiday gifts for any family receiving shelter and outreach services from DVIP from the past calendar year. Families are able to select items specific to their children’s interests and needs. By opening a holiday store for victims to shop DVIP is able to provide support and dignity to those most vulnerable in our community. Clients are able to select large gifts, stocking stuffers, pajamas, and a stuffed animal for each of their children and a gift for themselves.

“The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone and victim-survivors are no different. The cultural expectation added to the trauma that families experience is often overwhelming.  Having our Holiday Store ensures no family is left out of the magic of the season,” said Alta Medea, Director of Community Engagement. “The Holiday Store allows families to participate in the entire gift-giving experience, from picking out the perfect gift to getting fun pj’s and stocking stuffers. Parents have the joy of selecting items for their children without the added stress of risking their safety. The Holiday Store experience serves as part of the DVIP mission to not only provide victim-survivors with safety but also with dignity.”

New gifts can also be dropped off at the DVIP main office on Mondays from 11 am – 2pm November 7th through December 19th, please call 319.359.9353 for more details.