Events

Mother’s Day is a time of celebration and appreciation, but for many women in crisis, it can be a difficult and lonely occasion. Financial hardship, personal struggles, or the need for emergency shelter due to homelessness or domestic abuse can make this holiday feel out of reach. The Salvation Army’s Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center is dedicated to providing a safe haven for these mothers and their children, offering critical resources and compassionate care.

To ensure these women supported this Mother’s Day, The Salvation Army is partnering with Two Men And A Truck Indianapolis for the annual Movers for Moms campaign. This community-driven initiative collects essential care items to benefit the women and children staying at the Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Items that can be donated include: Shampoo/Conditioner, Diapers/Wipes, kid’s underwear & socks, Women’s socks & underwear, laundry detergent, and personal hygiene products like toothpaste, soap, deodorant, razors, lotions, tampons are also needed.

"The support we provide at the Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center goes beyond shelter. We offer a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency," said Major Malinda O’Neil, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. "We are grateful for the generosity of Two Men And A Truck and our local community for coming together to make a difference in the lives of the women we serve."

This year, the Indianapolis moving company is partnering with local businesses and restaurants to collect items and raise money for The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center. Below are ways residents can help mothers escaping abuse and homelessness:

• Collection bins have been set at various businesses and communities. These locations include Jennifer’s Flower Boutique (Fortville), Lincoln Square Pancake House (Fortville), Heron Corporate Office and Apartment Communities: Constitution, Haciendas, Hopeside I, Hopeside II, Illinois Place, Kinds Reserve, Merici, New Parkwood I, II, III, IV, Plaza Urbana, Sherman Forest, Stetson Senior, Wexford on the Park
• Stuff-a-Truck event: Saturday April 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart, 3221 W. 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46268
• Dine & Donate: Saturday, April 26 at Lincoln Square Pancake House (901 E. Broadway St.        Fortville, IN 46040) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds from all sales will be donated.

This marks the 17th year of the Movers for Moms campaign, and last year, the effort collected 1,500 items. With the help of the Indianapolis community, the goal this year is to exceed 3,000 items to support mothers in need.

Donations will be accepted until April 30 and can be dropped off at participating locations throughout Indianapolis. Community members are encouraged to join in this effort to show local mothers that they are valued and supported.

The Salvation Army shelter for Women and Children provides a safe place for homeless and abused women and children in perhaps their greatest time of need. Established as the first facility in Indianapolis to help homeless and abused women and children, they have offered care, assistance, and guidance to women for more than 50 years. The Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.