The dictionary defines the word chronic as follows:

chron·ic (krnk)
adj.
1. Of long duration; continuing: chronic money problems.
2. Lasting for a long period of time or marked by frequent recurrence, as certain diseases: chronic colitis.
3. Subject to a habit or pattern of behavior for a long time: a chronic liar.

The dictionary uses the word in a negative way, and I decided to change that.


What is Chronic Love?

Chronic Love is a campaign I began in November to help the women in local domestic violence shelters. The idea began after a tragedy occurred in our small community, and I couldn't sit back and do nothing any longer. I want to not only help provide these shelters with the basic necessities they need to operate, but also to provide the women with a sense of love and hope. I want to show them that someone does love them. God loves them. I love them. They are not forgotten. There is hope.

What do we do?

We gather items every month to donate to the shelter. These items are the basic needs, the things we take for granted every day. Items such as:
-Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, sanitary products, razors, etc
-Paper items: paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex
-Cleaning products: dish soap, Lysol, disinfectant wipes, multi-surface cleaners, toilet cleaner, washing detergent, dryer sheets, trash bags, etc.
-Non-Perishable food items: canned goods, snacks, cereal, juice boxes, etc.

We are also beginning to start new projects and collect new things to donate such as:
-School supplies: paper, pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue, scissors, folders, etc
-Cell phones: even if not activated, a charged cell phone can be used to call 911 in case of an emergency, such as their husbands/boyfriends harassing them. Your old, out of date cell phone could save someones life!
-Baby items. I hadn't thought of it before, but sometimes moms have to leave without a diaper bag, and they have no way of getting the things they need for their babies. Items like: diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, blankets, etc.
-Bedding and towels. It's always good to have clean bedding, especially children's bedding. Maybe a night with Spongebob sheets doesn't mean much to you, but to a child desperate for normalcy, it can mean a lot. Also, something as simple as towels sometimes get overlooked when people are donating.
-Gift cards/cash. Some things just get over looked, no matter what. So when we donate cash or gift cards they can get exactly what it is they need, when they need it.

We also try to put together some kind of gift for each woman at the shelters on holidays. For Christmas we were able to bless seven women and 5 children with large gift bags filled with all kinds of items to pamper themselves and just make life more comfortable. For Valentine's day we gave goodie bags to 8 women and 5 children. We will continue to do this for the major holidays. Our next project is Mother's Day.


How can you help?

There are several ways you can help. The first way would be to find a shelter near you and donate there. It doesn't have to be anything big, every little bit helps.

If there isn't a shelter near you, or if you just feel led to help here, you can contact me at livbroken@gmail.com and I will get you information on how to donate.

Pray! Pray for the battered and abused women of this country, of this world. Pray for their safety, comfort and peace. Pray for the children who are affected. Pray that we can make a difference in our own very little corner of the world, in our own very little way.

Thank you!