by Samantha McClain

Nicole Preston, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Honors Student Association vice president and a volunteer at Havenwood, hosted a donation drive for Havenwood, a women’s shelter, during the month of March earning $161.15 worth of products. Preston said donations included food, diapers, and hygienic products.

“Havenwood is a two-year transitional housing facility for women and children escaping crisis situations,” said Jamie Hudson, Director of Development at Havenwood. “We provide case management, counseling, group meetings, and many other resources to help them move from crisis to self-sufficiency.”

In 1993, the Community Development Corporation of Bentonville/Bella Vista renovated its building into a housing program for single parents, Hudson said. The Havenwood building is located at 808 N. Main in Bentonville Ark, a 10,560 sq. ft. multi-level building originally designed as a church sanctuary, included classrooms, kitchen, and fellowship hall and was completed in 1980. The building now has fifteen apartments, which include a community kitchen, dining area, closet, food pantry, donation closets, playroom, library, computer lab, laundry room, and two common areas, according to nwahavenwood.org/about-us.

“Nicole’s supply drive provides daily needs for the women and children we serve.  These drives are very important as basic supplies are greatly needed every month,” Hudson said.