“Underwearness” Campaign takes off as many join to help with an underlying need

NextStep Domestic Violence Project has collected hundreds of pairs of new undergarments to donate to survivors and their family members who are receiving shelter from domestic violence. “We had identified the need last winter, and we asked Amy Boles at Crossfit Breakwater Ellsworth if this was something they would be interested to help us with,” explained Kelly Brown, Associate Director. “Crossfit Breakwater enthusiastically said “yes” and kicked off our effort with our first Underwearness event in March. They collected 553 items from their membership and others in the community who donated.” 

The Acadian Community Woman’s Club of Winter Harbor followed Crossfit’s lead and recently donated 255 items of brand-new underwear. Tawney Jacobs, representing MONAT in Ellsworth, donated $113 in cash to help purchase items for those in shelter. Kristen Hayward, of Anchored Women’s Health, LLC in Ellsworth, located at 102 Main Street, Ste A, is accepting donations through August 31st.

In July, the Bucksport Golf Club is holding a golf tournament to raise funds for NextStep and they will also be collecting new items of underwear at their event, scheduled for July 23rd  (see article). Kelly Brown added, “With the wonderful support we are receiving from our communities, we’re confident we will reach and surpass our goal of 1,000 underwear items. Because survivors often come to us with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, having brand new underwear is important. We are so grateful to everyone – the businesses who are raising awareness and collecting the underwear, and everyone who has donated – for helping us to reach our goal.”