NOVA, Doylestown Mennonite Church make holidays brighter for families of victims of crime

Every holiday season, counselors and advocates at Network of Victim Assistance team up with caring individuals and organizations to provide holiday comfort and joy to families from all areas of Bucks County who were affected by crime during the year. This year, an organization that has helped NOVA make a difference is Doylestown Mennonite Church, which collected a variety of items through its “Thanksgiving in Action” program.

Each year, NOVA identifies client families struggling with financial stress on top of victimization issues who would greatly benefit from receiving food, toiletries and even toys to help them through the holidays. A small group of NOVA supporters then chooses thoughtful gifts for each child or purchases much-needed household items for each parent.

To this effort, Doylestown Mennonite Church’s congregation generously donated hundreds of dollars in food, toiletries and gifts and added a cash collection of over $1,400.

On Thanksgiving Eve, Kathy Bennett, NOVA’s associate director, spoke to the church congregation about NOVA, its services and the number of individuals the 41-year-old community service nonprofit helps throughout the year.

“We’re tremendously grateful for this generous response from the families and individuals at Doylestown Mennonite Church,” said Ms. Bennett. “Their exuberant generosity is heartwarming, and will make a difference in the holidays for our client families.”

Image shows Doylestown Mennonite Church members KrisAnne Swartley, left, Minister of Information & Mission, Heidi Swartley, age 12, and Benjamin Swartley, age 10, with Kathy Bennett, Associate Director for NOVA.