Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force Co-chair Bobby Blaylock (fourth from left) receives a $2,900 donation from Marion County Elks Lodge Treasurer Vickie Hayes on Aug. 21 at the Marion County Courthouse. Also shown (from left) are Elks members Joel Vickery and Lenny Gilliland, and task force co-chair Kim Lolley, task force member Gena Holloway and Elks Lodge member Teena Vickery. Concerning Elks members, Joel Vickery is the local Elks Lodge Secretary, the Alabama Elks Association Secretary and the state hoop shoot chairman. Gilliland is the local organization’s chaplain. Teena is the state Americanism chairman. Regarding task force members, Blaylock is also a sheriff’s deputy assigned to the courthouse. Lolley is a financial support worker at the Marion County Department of Human Resources. Holloway is a victim services officer with the Marion County District Attorney’s office.
HAMILTON — With all proceeds earmarked for local needs, the Marion County Elks Lodge made a $2,900 donation to the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the courthouse in Hamilton.
The local task force will use the funds to help support Marion County domestic violence survivors and their family members, some of which are currently being housed in the local Safeplace shelter.
MCDVTF Co-chair Bobby Blaylock, who is also a deputy sheriff assigned to the courthouse, noted, “We want to thank the Elks Lodge for this generous donation to help meet the needs of the Marion County Safeplace Shelter.
“All these funds will stay locally to assist with the needs of this community.”
Elks Lodge Treasurer Vickie Hayes helped coordinate the donation and noted the Elks Lodge has been a long-term supporter of the local shelter since it opened in 2019.
“When it first opened, the shelter needed everything you’d need in your own house and more,” Hayes said. “The Elks members donated refrigerators, freezers, other furniture and even paper towels and toilet paper. Just everything you could think of.”
Hayes said the organization made a $2,500 donation the next year, but continues to donate whatever is needed, whenever it’s needed.
“Throughout the year, we help with kids’ toys and clothes,” she said. “When they get a new family, we do whatever we can. If there’s a baby in the family, we provide formula.
“Most survivors have to leave their homes with absolutely nothing. They don’t get to pack. It’s not even safe to pack. And they have new people coming in all the time.
“Whatever the shelter or the families’ need, we try to help. We’ve had members bring Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments and donate them for the domestic violence survivors and families.”
How to reach out to Safeplace
If your organization, business or church wants to learn more about how they can support Safeplace, or if you are interested in joining the local task force, please contact task force co-chair Kim Lolley at 205-921-6019. Lolley is also a financial support worker for the Marion County Department of Human Resources.
Safeplace’s 24-hour hotlines are 256-767-6210 and 800-550-9215. There is also a local support group. More information can be found online at nwalsafeplace.org or via Facebook at SafeplaceInc.
Those wanting to know more about the local Elks Lodge, including membership and volunteer opportunities, may call Hayes at 205-412-1082.
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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