Although domestic violence is a problem year round, it can be exacerbated during the holiday season.

It is a time of heightened stress, both financially and emotionally. While this alone triggers domestic violence, it can have an impact, according to Kim Dangerfield, director of outreach and support services at Grace Smith House.

It is also a time when abusers may intentionally try to harm.

Giving:How you can help Dutchess families during the holiday season

Make a donation: Donate to Holiday Helping Hand here

Purchases:Hudson Valley shoppers plan to buy local during the 2021 holiday season

“In families where there has been long-standing domestic violence, one of the abuse tactics is to spoil events that would otherwise be happy and have fond memories,” Dangerfield said. “Many children have grown up in homes where they have never had a vacation free from abuse and violence.”

During the holiday season, Grace Smith House aims to provide children with a positive experience. With funding provided by Holiday Helping Hand, the organization will provide gift cards to families in the Hudson Valley.

For nearly four decades, the Poughkeepsie Journal has partnered with United Way of the Dutchess-Orange region each fall and winter for Holiday Helping Hand, a fundraising campaign to provide Dutchess County charities with the necessary cash. to provide assistance and gatherings during the holidays.

Over the past 10 years, Holiday Helping Hand donors have contributed $ 24,940 to the Grace Smith House Holiday Gift Program.

This year, 68 families through Grace Smith House’s various programs will receive a business gift card in the area, with Holiday Helping Hand providing $ 1,700. Featured companies include TJ Maxx, Best Buy, Marshall’s, Macy’s, Old Navy, Staples, Footlocker, The Children’s Place, Five Below, Kohl’s, Christmas Tree Shop, and Barnes & Noble.

The job, Dangerfield said, is to help establish a sense of normalcy for children and families in these difficult situations.

“It’s kind of a new baseline, where you can have a vacation and it doesn’t have to be heavy with the chaos that domestic violence brings,” she said.

This year, Holiday Helping Hand is funding 31 programs with more than $ 51,200 donated by residents and local organizations during the holiday season. Each year, the campaign funds the following year’s programs.

Geoffrey Wilson: [email protected], 845 437-4882, Twitter: @GeoffWilson_

How to donate to Holiday Helping Hand

For nearly four decades, Holiday Helping Hand, a joint venture between the Poughkeepsie Journal and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, has funded Dutchess County programs that help children and families in the area have a happy holiday season. end of the year, thanks to the generosity of local donors. . This season’s donations will fund programs next year that include warm clothing, gift cards, utility bill giveaways and holiday season.

To donate, visit www.uwdor.org/hhh or send a check to Holiday Helping Hand, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, 75 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Checks should be made payable to by Holiday Helping Hand.

During the first official week of the fundraising campaign, 31 donations were made for a total of $ 4,523.65. They understand:

Charles A. Pellegrino, $ 1,000

Scott and Pamela Miller, $ 20

Frank and Lois Van Zanten, $ 200

Jeffrey S. Graham, $ 100

Shirley S. Lee, $ 25

Rosemary and Alan Thomas, $ 250

In memory of Helen R Andros, Jacqueline Homko, $ 100

Harriet Furey, $ 250

FM, $ 20.53

In Memory of Irma Schwinger DeAngele, by Fred Schwinger, $ 102.65

Keith Axelrod, $ 102.65

In Memory of Abe Banner, Rita Banner, $ 102.65

Maureen Guilfoyle, $ 102.65

Donna and Jack Dworak, $ 102.65

Karen Sipperley, $ 102.65

Detrick Rothacker, $ 25

Eugène Pinto, $ 102.65

Michael Holt, $ 25

Rachel Reisman, $ 51.32

Robert and Lynne Kopac, $ 205.31

Geane Mullins, $ 51.32

Susan Deane-Miller, $ 51.32

Clarence and Joan Glover, $ 200

Anonymous, $ 550

Patricia K Martin, $ 25

In loving memory of Jerry and Shirley Delaney and Chris Hunt Jr., by Debra A. Brown, $ 100

Raymond Powers, $ 102.65

Judith E. Perlman, $ 50

Ann A. Weeks, $ 100

Dana Lynn and James Herrington, $ 200

Michael and Theresa O’Brien, $ 102.65