South Valley Services is asking for donations of gently used or new TVs that can help children and families staying at the shelter feel a sense of normalcy. (Getty Images)
For some children televisions can provide more than entertainment. That’s especially true for those in spaces like the South Valley Services shelter who have been impacted by domestic violence.
“It’s a moment of normalcy during a difficult transition,” a campaign video says. “A familiar show can bring comfort and calm.”
That’s why South Valley Services is asking for donations of gently used or new TVs. The call comes during Black Friday, when, famously, many electronics are discounted in stores. It’s part of a six-week holiday campaign aimed to provide survivors with essential resources.
“Having TVs out in the common area does actually draw some socialization into that common area space,” South Valley Services executive direction Lindsey Boyer said, “where some of the kids will come in and they’ll kind of hang out together if there’s something on TV, whereas, if it’s quiet and there’s no activity or traffic.”
That, especially on the first days at the shelter, a new space with strangers in a community-living environment with a big shared kitchen and living room, can make them feel safe and welcome, Boyer said.
The centers provide survivors with free services including emergency shelter, counseling, safe housing, advocacy and other tools. It also has educational programs “aimed at ending the cycle of generational violence” and other solutions, according to its website.
The organization’s two shelters in West Jordan and Tooele hosted 537 people in 2022 and 2023, including 237 children, and took over 7,800 emergency calls.
Two online registries from the shelters also include other needs, including diapers, TV antennas, smart TV streaming devices, DVD players, earbuds, clothes hangers, hygiene items, shoes, art supplies, toys and gift cards.
Cash donations and gift cards allow the organization to meet unique needs that may be restricted with government funding that will only pay for certain expenses, Boyer said.
The resource center is also advising that people can make a financial donation anytime, but especially during Giving Tuesday, on Dec. 3, as those donations will be matched.
While part of the campaign is to address urgent resource needs, the other part is centered around awareness of red flags to watch out for and services available. Most people’s lives are touched in one way or another by the issue, Boyer said. In Utah, 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 2 transgender or nonbinary people are impacted by domestic abuse in their lifetime.
“This is a time when people might need some support,” she said about the holidays. “And if neighbors and family members and friends know the warning signs, they can reach out and say, ‘hey, are you doing OK? I’m worried about you,’ and also know what services are available.”
For those not purchasing directly from the online registry, their Volunteers and Donations coordinator can be reached at 801-834-4105, or at donate@svsutah.org.
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