‘Movers for Moms’ collection drive breaks record for items

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two Men and a Truck of Jacksonville has broken its record for most essential items collected to support women living in shelters because of domestic abuse.

The event is part of its ‘Movers for Moms’ collection drive, which puts together essential items for women in shelters who have escaped domestic violence.

“We’re 25 years here in the first coast region so [we] wanted to hit a goal of at least 25,000 items,” said Pete Ruffing, partner at Two Men and a Truck in Jacksonville and St. Augustine. “Personal care items. Diapers we have non-perishable food items because this is what these shelters need on a daily basis,” he explained.”

Neighbors stepped up to help.

“Phenomenal outpouring of support through the community,” he said. “We work with Cub Scout Troop 111 St. Johns Schools, Duval County Schools,” he explained.

Students wanted to share words of support by writing messages on these cards like: “You’re amazing, you’re brave, strong, keep your head up high.” But the support for these women didn’t stop there. The community donated about 28,000 items for these women and their children, far exceeding the original goal.

“I am delighted to hear that. I’m not surprised. They are such go-getters. And they believe in this mission and they believe in helping survivors. So that’s wonderful news to hear,” said Gail Patin, CEO at the Hubbard House in Jacksonville.

Hubbard House’s shelter helps about 900 people each year. “They are running because they are in danger for their life,” she explained.

And they’re running with children in tow. “A lot of kids who are very little so getting all those diapers, those supplies for children makes a world of a difference,” she emphasized. Especially when it comes to funding services. “We don’t charge survivors or their children a penny for what we provide so when people give donations like this, it means we don’t have to spend our money. That money can be turned back into rental assistance, helping people get on their feet in outreach,” she said.

If you’d like to help, you can still drop off donations at any Atlantic Storage Location in Jacksonville or at Two Men and a Truck (9450 Philips Hwy Ste 1 Jacksonville, FL 32256).

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