A local church is sponsoring a drive to help provide necessities for battered women and children in the state.

Glad Tidings Church of God in Clanton is collecting toiletries to donate to Family Sunshine Center of Montgomery, which provides protection for about 30 women and their children in a shelter.

The center has a monthly budget of about $800 just for items such as toilet paper, paper towels, bathrobes and bath towels, said event coordinator Adam Baker.

“Primarily, it’s women and children because, sadly, that’s who most of their clients are,” he said, adding that the center also assists the victims of sibling abuse and abuse of the elderly.

Baker’s motivation for doing the drive is his late mother, Denise, who found herself in a similar situation but did not have the same opportunity as those assisted by Sunshine Center.

“I want to help support other women and give them the means to get back on their feet and put themselves back into a position to do their jobs – basically, to advocate for themselves and their children,” Baker said.

He added that the drive is a ministry, first and foremost, that aims to minister to the women’s spiritual needs as well as their physical needs.

“A lot of women are going to be blessed and helped by this. They have already been a blessing to me,” he said.

Those who wish to donate the aforementioned items may take them to the church, located on County Road 85, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. or visit one of two drop-off locations at Corner Fair and at Nails by Tara & Malynne.

The drive will culminate Wednesday, Oct. 1 in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which occurs in October. A special event will be held that night at the church starting at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker Anna Lee Ingalls from the center will bring an unnamed survivor who will also speak at the event. Danielle Easterling will serve as emcee, and the church’s youth group will worship through drama in addition to other special music.

Door prizes will include a steak dinner from Cattlemen’s among other items.

“If anybody knows anybody who may be affected, please come out,” Baker said.

For more information, call the church at 755-6318.

–Scott Mims can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com.