Book Drive to Help Children in DV Shelters Cope During the Holidays

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Curtison Badonie, 505-243-9199 or [email protected]

CSVANW Kicks Off 4th Annual Book Drive to Help Children

in DV Shelters Cope During the Holidays

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - November 2, 2018 - The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is kicking off its 4th Annual Holiday Book Drive this holiday season to help children who have experienced violence cope through storytelling with first-time partner with Red Planet Books & Comics.

Each year, CSVANW's Holiday Book Drive serves to benefit children who will spend the holidays in a shelter due to domestic violence.

Since its inception, CSVANW and past partner Shumakolowa have donated more than 700 new Native American-themed books for shelters throughout New Mexico. This year, CSVANW will collaborate with Red Planet Books & Comics, a Native American-owned business in Downtown Albuquerque, because the store features culturally-relevant options of books and comics from Native and indigenous artist and writers.

Studies show that children who witness violence in their homes may exhibit adjustment difficulties. "These children also often have lower self-esteem and are prone to anxiousness, worry and fear. Reading provides a safe escape for them and an opportunity for connection, and providing books for children and their families helps create a sense of normalcy," says Angel Charley, CSVANW's Membership and Outreach Coordinator.

"Really, what we are doing is trying to help kids be kids," Charley says.

"We believe that reading and sharing stories with Native youth are essential to their development as strong Native individuals and we are thrilled to collaborate with CSVANW in getting as many books to Native kiddos," said Lee Francis, owner of Red Planet Comics and Books, founder of Indigenous Comic Con and CEO of Native Realities.

The official kick off of CSVANW's Little One Holiday Book Drive will take place during the 2018 Indigenous Comic Con, a three-day indigenous pop-culture convention that features indigenous creators, illustrators, writers and actors from industries such as sci-fi, games, film, TV and graphics novels, November 2 - 4 at the Isleta Resort and Casino.

To donate a book, a wide selection is available at the Red Planet Books & Comics,1002 Park Avenue SW, in Albuquerque. To make a book donation or to make a monetary donation, the Coalition will have a booth at the 2018 Indigenous Comic Con. CSVANW will also accept new book donations at their office, 4600 Montgomery Blvd NE Ste B202, Albuquerque.

The drive will operate now through December 14, 2018.

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About the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women

CSVANW is a member-driven tribal coalition that represents the broadest and most unified voice in advocating and collectively addressing violence against Native women and children across the region.

An alliance of more than 50 passionate, distinguished and highly committed organizations and individuals, the CSVANW team of staff, Board ofDirectors and committed membership works aggressively to raise awareness about the safety of Native women and children at the state, tribal and federal levels, in addition to providing the utmost critical lifeline services to those affected by violence. CSVANW provides training, advocate support, and technical assistance for tribes and law enforcement seeking help in working with tribes. The Coalition also offers policy advocacy on behalf of tribes.

For more information about the CSVANW, go to www.csvanw.org.