Panty drive for sexual assault survivors; Rochester drop-offs through April

Rochester business owner, Tiffany Piggee-Taylor, remembers what she was wearing the day she was raped in 2003. Her clothing was kept as evidence, and without the kindness of Assistance League who provided a new outfit in an Assault Survivor Kit, she would have been forced to wear a hospital gown home.

In support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April, Piggee-Taylor is sponsoring a panty-drive collection of new women's underwear for Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan. Anyone can drop off a new pack of "Hanes Her Way" or "Fruit of the Loom" women's cotton classic briefs, sizes small to 2XL, at ME Beauty Studio by April 30. (ME Beauty Studio is located at 309 S. Main Street, Suite 250, in downtown Rochester.) Last year, she collected 2,500 pairs of panties and $1,500 in donations.

Most assault survivors either have their clothing destroyed by the perpetrator or retained by police, leaving them feeling even more vulnerable and traumatized. "I received an Assault Survivor Kit in 2003 from Assistance League of Atlanta," said Piggee-Taylor. "This cause is really important to me and I couldn't think of a more deserving charity to give back to."

For more than 20 years, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, has provided new clothing and necessities for assault survivors, so they have clean, fresh clothing in which to leave the hospital. Last year, nearly 1,000 kits were provided to 37 hospitals and trauma centers across the state. The kits include a top, pants, underwear, sports bra, bar of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and shampoo.

"Hopefully our kits will be a helpful step in the healing process for a survivor after their devastating trauma. We greatly appreciate Tiffany's support for Assistance League Assault Survivor Kits, especially from a fellow Rochester business owner and one who understands the vital importance of this program," said Marjorie DiLiddo, Assistance League President-Elect. 

New underwear can be dropped off by April 30 to ME Beauty, 309 S. Main Street, Suite 250, Rochester. Phone: (248) 413-7333. Hours are Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible.

ME Beauty, founded in 2006, is a studio specializing in full body hair removal and skin care for males and females. For more information, call (248) 413-7333, or visit ME Beauty at www.waxmybikini.com.

Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, founded in 1993 and serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, is a nonprofit, all-member volunteer organization whose purpose is to clothe, feed, educate and comfort children and adults through community-based programs. For more information, visit Assistance League ReSale Connection, 204 S. Main St., Rochester