TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Bringing a smile to the face of a child in is, for many, what the holiday season is all about.
Wednesday, the Quincy Chapter of Refuge House joined forces with the Quincy Police Department to hand out dolls to woman and children who've suffered from "domestic abuse".
Providing a little holiday healing is the goal of the doll giveaway, and it begins with and is motivated by individual stories as much as statistics.
These folks inspire hope, and take part in spreading holiday cheer where it's needed the most.
We spoke with Sandra Collins, the organizer of the doll giveaway event, Lindsey Pierce, who works with the Refuge House, and Captain Robert Mixson.
Domestic violence is a serious issue. At the national level, one in five women have fallen victim to some form of sexual or domestic violence in their lifetime.
According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement in 2015, there were over 19,000 domestic and sexual violence calls in Leon County.
In Gadsden County law enforcement responded to no fewer than 246 calls related to abuse, stalking, and sexual violence.
The "Handle Me with Care" dolls foundation has been operating this giveaway for four years.
Last year, donations were distributed to children in need in the Frenchtown area.
