One thing the folks in Newtown, Conn., aren't suffering from right now is a lack of attention.
Since the horrific shootings that killed 20 children and six adults, residents have been deluged by an outpouring of sympathy and generosity from people all over the world.
A Newtown administrator told USA Today so many donations were coming in the town got four shipping containers for storage. The Newtown Bee reported municipal leaders worried too many goods like clothing or food would make agencies divert resources just to sort through all that stuff.
They said people can send checks to "Town of Newtown," Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose St., Newtown, CT 06470.
Some donors instead have joined the 20 or 26 "Acts of Kindness" effort to pay tribute to the shooting victims by helping anyone who needs it.
That's something you can do for victims of violence here in Columbus, by helping the battered women's shelter that's a safe haven for those fleeing abusive relationships.
Some flee with nothing but the clothes they're wearing. Escape is risky: Some men would kill a woman before letting her leave, so she has to run for her life. The local shelter known as "Hope Harbour" may be her last refuge.
Hope Harbour has a client in that predicament right now, said Director Diane Hett. The woman fled from another state, where her spouse had tracked her to a local shelter. She went to a second state; he stalked her there, too. Now she's here.
"She arrived with pretty much nothing, and is truly is just trying to stay alive right now. He has said that when he gets her this time, he will kill her."
That's not an isolated case, Hett added: "A lot of people come after they are truly on the run."
That's why Hope Harbour's precise location is never publicized.
"We had a lady come in last night. She has left her husband multiple times. As soon as the police picked him up, they called us from the house and made arrangements to bring her and the children in, so they pretty much came with nothing."
Abuse takes no holiday.
"There will be 17 children who will spend Christmas at the shelter. As hard as that is, the children will be safe."
If events in Connecticut make you want to commit an act of kindness -- or 20 acts or 26 or more -- consider sending a check to Hope Harbour, P.O, Box 4182, Columbus, GA 31914.
Tim Chitwood, tchitwood@ledger-enquirer.com, 706-571-8508.
