Part of the collected items will be used to decorate Russell House, and part will be given to women who’ve successfully exited the program and are planning their first Christmas on their own without items to decorate their new homes.

Drop off locations by county include:

Maries: Belle State Bank, Highway 28 and 10th Street, Belle and Maries County Bank, 218 Fourth Street, Vienna

Dent: U.S. Bank, 403 N. Jackson Street, Salem

Phelps: both branches of Town and Country Bank, 910 S. Bishop and 1804 N. Bishop, Rolla

Crawford: Town and Country Bank, 118 E. Pine, Bourbon and Cuba Auto Plaza, 403 N. Franklin, Cuba

Russell House receives most of its funding from court fees paid to local, state, and federal courts, although at least 20 percent of the budget comes from generous central Missouri communities. Local fundraisers, individual donors, and foundation grants also help generate funds. Russell House services include: temporary emergency shelter for up to 34 women and children; 24-hour crisis line; 24-hour rape hotline; safety planning; prevention education; court advocacy; referral services; individual counseling services for women and children; support groups; educational groups; and children’s programs. All Russell House services are free and confidential.

For questions about donating Christmas decorations, please contact Donna Kamler at 573-308-5175. For more information or to seek shelter from abuse, contact the Russell House, P.O. Box 2259, Rolla, MO 65402. Business line: (573) 364-0579; Fax: (573) 364-1824; 24-hour crisis line: (573) 364-0222 or toll free at (800) 998-8340. 24-hour Sexual Assault Line: (573) 426-4687 or toll free at (888) 570-3703.