This Holiday Season, Celebrate the “Spirit of Empowerment” with Laura's House

LADERA RANCH, Calif. Nov. 25, 2013 – Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, today announced the launch of its 2013 “Spirit of Empowerment” holiday giving program.

“The holidays are particularly difficult for individuals and families affected by domestic violence,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Because they are in transition, the joy of the season is overshadowed by the need to survive from one day to the next. At Laura’s House, we embrace the philosophy of empowerment in everything we do, and the goal of our holiday giving program is to both share the magic of the holiday season, and to help restore the dignity and self-esteem that these women and children lost when they were living in abusive homes.”

2013 “Spirit of Empowerment” Holiday Giving Program

This year, there are several ways that the community can contribute to the Laura’s House “Spirit of Empowerment” Holiday Giving Program:

·       Gift Card Donations

Help our clients regain their dignity and self-esteem by providing directly to their individual needs with Gift Cards to Barnes & Noble; Costco; Rite Aid; CVS Pharmacy; Kohl’s; local grocery Stores including Ralphs, Stater Bros. and Vons; gas cards, bus passes and phone cards; Old Navy; Payless Shoes; Target; Wal-Mart; Toys ‘r’ Us; and, local restaurants including Denny’s; Panera; Corner Bakery; Wahoo’s; Chipotle; Chick-fil-a; Jack-in-the-Box; McDonalds; Taco Bell; TOGO’S; Subway; Bagel Shack and Starbucks Coffee.

·       Holiday Gift Wish List

Laura’s House is also accepting donations of new toys, books, board games, art supplies, music and movies; bath and body, jewelry and beauty products; gift wrap, storage bins, and more. During holiday parties to be held during the month of December, current Laura’s House clients, graduates, and their children will get into the holiday spirit with Santa and his Christmas elves, food, music and arts and crafts. For more information on specific needs, view the Laura’s House “Holiday Gift Wish List” online athttp://bit.ly/HQwGaa.

End of Year Car Donations

For vehicle donations, Laura’s House partners with the Center for Car Donations, a national organization whose mission is to assist charities nationwide by providing them with a means to accept donated vehicles.

With the end of the 2013 tax year just around the corner, there is still time to an unused or unwanted vehicle before the end of the year, and receive a 2013 tax receipt for the donation. 

“100 percent of the proceeds that we receive from the sale of used vehicles through the Center for Car Donations is used to sustain our counseling and shelter programs, legal programs, and prevention and education programs, all year long,” continued Bayston. “Since we began partnering with the Center for Car Donations in 2006, we have raised more then $67,000 from vehicle donations. We are grateful to Jacquie Elliott at Center for Car Donations for helping us raise the much-needed funds that enable the families we serve to build lives that are free of violence.”

Individuals wishing to donate an unused or unwanted vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks or RVs, can call 877-411-DONATE to set up a convenient pick-up time for the vehicle. Same day and weekend appointment may be available. The donor can then designate that the proceeds from the sale of the vehicle be allocated toward Laura’s House. Upon the sale of the vehicle, donors will receive a receipt for the sale amount.

To qualify for a tax deduction during the 2013 tax year, all vehicles must be picked up by the Center for Car Donations by Dec. 31, 2013. Vehicles do not have to pass a smog test, be operational or registered. However, the donor must be the legal titleholder of the vehicle, and must show clear title. Additionally, all donated vehicles must have an engine and be towable.

The IRS allows the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of : 

• The value of the vehicle up to $500 or
• If the vehicle sells for more than $500, donors are notified by mail with the exact amount for which it sold, and which is the value that can be stated for tax purposes.

For additional information, the IRS provides A Donor's Guide to Car Donations at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4303.pdf.  Donors are also encouraged to check with their tax professional to determine the exact benefit of their donation.

About Laura’s House 

For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

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