Every December, something extraordinary happens at the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter. Hallways fill with the scent of cocoa and pine, laughter echoes where tears once fell, and survivors who have lost nearly everything discover what it feels like to be loved.
This season, DAFS is again calling on the kindness of the Pine Belt to help make that miracle happen. Through its annual holiday giving campaign, the shelter is collecting new, unwrapped toys, gifts, and comfort items for women, men, and children rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse, family violence, and human trafficking.
"Every gift reminds our survivors that someone cares — that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten," said Jason Niblett, outreach and victim advocate for DAFS. "When a mom cries because she didn’t think her child would have a Christmas, or a father says it’s the first gift he’s been given in years — that’s when you realize how powerful kindness can be."
DAFS serves 11 counties across the Pine Belt and southeastern Mississippi, providing nearly 6,000 emergency shelter nights and helping more than 500 survivors last year alone. For many, the holidays are a painful reminder of what they’ve endured — but with help from neighbors, churches, and businesses, DAFS transforms those days into moments of healing.
The shelter is seeking donations of:
- Toys and gifts for children of all ages, including teens.
- Gift cards in small denominations for older youth or adults.
- Pajamas, slippers, sweats, and cozy clothing to help families relax together.
- Holiday snacks or family activity items such as hot cocoa kits, popcorn, or cookie-decorating sets to create new traditions in safety and love.
- Towels and blankets to use in their new homes.
- Lamps, art, and home decorations.
- Games, puzzles, journals, and art kits.
Gifts should be new and in their original packaging (not wrapped). To ensure every family is included, donations should be arranged by Dec. 12. DAFS can pick up or receive deliveries across the Pine Belt region.
"We see so much heartache in this work, but we also see incredible love," Niblett added. "These gifts don’t just brighten Christmas morning — they remind survivors that the world hasn’t given up on them."
To coordinate a donation, please contact jason@dafs.ms or 601-342-2710. For more information on DAFS, please visit www.dafs.ms or call us at 601-915-3237. To reach our 24/7 Crisis Line, call 1-800-649-1092.
