Mercedes Gibbs was enthusiastic about her company’s initiative to help women and mothers in need.
Gibbs is the marketing coordinator with Two Men and a Truck’s Western Wisconsin division. Her company’s national initiative, Movers for Moms, collects donations for family and women’s shelters around Mother’s Day each year. The event focuses on giving back to the community and supporting those in need; through the collection and donation of essential items, the company aims to support women and families facing difficult circumstances in the areas in which Two Men serves.
While Movers for Moms has been active in other parts of the country, this was the first time the Chippewa Valley has participated.
“It’s our very first year doing it, so we’re really excited to be able to do it this year,” said Gibbs. She was proud to explain that, for Movers for Mom’s inaugural event, donations collected would go to support the Bolton Refuge House, the only emergency shelter in Eau Claire. Bolton Refuge House is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week for those whose lives are affected by stalking, violence and assault.
“As Mother’s Day is approaching, we really want to take just a little bit off of their plates, and make that day a little nicer and a little easier — just better for them,” said Gibbs.
Gibbs said that being a lifelong Eau Claire resident meant that she was also aware of the significance of Bolton Refuge House and its mission to support those in the area.
“It was my call. [Bolton] was the first place that popped to mind when I learned about this campaign and who it benefits. I know how much they do for women in the community, so they were my top pick,” she said. “They’re the only shelter in the area with the type of services they provide.”
The Movers for Moms initiative will be collecting a wide range of items until May 9th to support the Bolton Refuge House. These items include canned goods, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, toothpaste, brooms, brown leaf bags, diversion safe hair brushes, wi-fi cameras with SD cards, key labels and cap covers, door jambs and locks, security bars, 99% isopropyl alcohol, Amazon Echo Dots, combination locks, sink strainers, garbage cans, soap bars, and hand sanitizer.
Gibbs expressed her support for the initiative, emphasizing the significance it holds for her and the positive and meaningful impact it has on those in need. She said that Movers for Moms will “definitely be continuing” to help those in need next year and in the years to come.
“It means a lot to me, because we really want to support our local communities,” she said. “We know how much these women are going through. Being the first year doing this, we really want to make a difference.”