MSU Safe Place will now be able to help domestic-violence victims buy new locks for their homes because of a $1,120 contribution from University Stores.
University Stores sold about 2,800 remembrance pins to students, commemorating the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Each pin was $1.36, and 40 cents of each pin was donated to Safe Place - the nation’s only on-campus domestic violence shelter. The rest of the money raised from selling the pins was used to cover the cost of purchasing them, University Stores Manager Bob Eash said.
“It was a great cause and it was an opportunity for us to give back to the community,” he said.
Eash presented the check to Safe Place Director Holly Rosen on Tuesday morning at University Stores. The event was informal, with the only spectators being members of the media and some unknowing customers, but Rosen said she was still happy to receive the check for Safe Place.
The pin features a crossed ribbon with stars on one side and red, white and blue stripes on the other.
Eash said University Stores could only purchase the amount of pins they sold because pins were sold all over the country, creating a shortage. He was unsure if the scarcity was due to a manufacturing problem or the high demand.
“We could’ve sold several thousand more if we could’ve gotten them,” he said.
Rosen said part of the $1,120 will go toward an advocacy assistance fund for women coping with domestic violence.
“It’s for women who need to change their locks,” Rosen said. “And we will do anything we can to keep them safe.”
Another portion of the money will go toward outreach and advertising for programs and meetings Safe Place will have during the school year.
Rosen said she was happy Safe Place received the donation.
“We are honored to be chosen,” she said. “They could’ve given the money to any group on campus, and we appreciate their support.”
Eash said University Stores had planned to donate the money to Safe Place when they purchased the pins in August.
“It’s a very worthy organization and it’s on campus,” he said. “We always like to donate back to campus.”
