Source: All About Women of the High Country Magazine12/23/2008 article by Sherrie Norris. Visit their website at http://aawmag.com/.

So often in life, the best ideas are hatched around the kitchen table. Such was the creation of the "Basic Buckets for New Beginnings" project.

During a recent visit with OASIS Director Jennifer Herman, members of the Appalachian Women's Fund were told how costly it is for women to set up a new household. Upon leaving the shelter, clients have very limited financial resources. The day-to-day items needed to run a home are often expensive but necessary. Cleaning supplies and hygiene products are among the most expensive items that we all purchase.

Further discussion around the table led to the timely topic of “going green.” Cathy Williamson, AWF member and owner of Kilwin's Ice Cream Shops was saying that the recycling center no longer accepts the many plastic ice cream tubs generated in her stores. Within minutes, these creative women of the Appalachian Women’s Fund solved a problem for both OASIS and Kilwin's - fill one bucket with cleaning supplies and another with personal hygiene items. As the client leaves to begin her new life free from violence, she takes two “buckets of basics” to get her started. It’s a small gesture some would say, but Herman knows what it means for these women not to have to pay for the items we all take for granted.

Within days, AWF members Mary Barcellona, Leslie Shavell and Susan Geldmeier were out in the community collecting donations to fill the buckets. Currently the AWF is distributing the Basic Buckets through OASIS and the Hospitality House.  Other agencies supported by the AWF will soon be added to the list of recipients.

The cost of filling one bucket is approximately $25.00.  If you would like to help with this or any project sponsored by the Appalachian Women's Fund, you can send donations directly to the AWF office at P.O. Box 1838, Boone, NC 28607, e-mail them at info@appalachianwomensfund.org or call the office at 264-4002. Membership information is available as well.