IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Domestic Violence Intervention Program in Iowa City is hosting its 27th annual Shop for Shelter Saturday, and people shopping at Hy-Vees or Fareways in Johnson County can take part.

Leaders with DVIP said the annual event supplies both their emergency shelter and outreach services for six months.

Volunteers will be at grocery stores in the county handing out shopping lists to customers wanting to participate.

The lists will include everything from diapers and hair care products to nonperishable food items like soup and rice, anything survivors need to get a fresh start.

Alta Medea, director of Community Engagement for DVIP said no donation is too small.

“Every single thing counts, right? So when you are in need and then have fled a dangerous situation and have just the clothes on your back, the simple fact that you can have a snack, that you can be given some food to start that process as you navigate your way to safety matters,” she said.

Madea said that at any given point in time, the organization has around 70 individuals and will help over 700 people this year in their emergency shelter.

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