Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

47 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com feature M y Sister’s House has been serving as a haven for abused women and their children for nearly four decades. In addition to providing a safe place to live for a few days or even a few months, the organization, launched in 1980, offers a wide range of services that make it possible for women to escape abusive relationships, remove their kids from dangerous situations and steer their lives in a more productive direction. Each year during the Christmas season, at least for a few precious hours, the women and children who have lived at My Sister’s House can forget about the rigors of real life and turn their attention to food, presents and an appearance by Santa Claus himself. The organization’s holiday party is scheduled for Dec. 20. Around 55 people attended in 2016, and a similar number are expected to show up and enjoy the fun and festivities this year. “For some kids, these will be the only gifts they will get,” said My Sister’s House Executive Director Tosha Connors. “We’re really just trying to make it fun for them.” Santa Claus is an important part of any holiday party, of course, and will be the main attraction for the kids who have spent time at My Sister’s House during the past two years. The women who have lived at the facility will get a break as well, according to Director of Development and Marketing Tonya Pilkenton. The party will be catered by volunteers – the Lowcountry Ladies Exchange Club – so moms won’t be required to cook that night, and they also will be able to “shop” from among the donated gifts to give to their kids on the big day. “The party is awesome,” said Elyse Jones, a child therapist who lives in Mount Pleasant and transitioned from full-time employee to volunteer at My Sister’s House earlier this year. Pilkenton added that though there usually will be more than enough stuffed animals and other presents for the youngsters, the organization might be a little short on gifts for those in other age groups. “The women also have wish lists, and we’re notoriously short on presents for women, teenagers and special needs kids,” she said, adding that those who want to donate gifts or volunteer their time should call the organization’s My Sister’s House volunteers load Christmas gifts for delivery to the organization’s 2016 holiday party. BY BRIAN SHERMAN Doing Good Things All Year My Sister’s House Photo courtesy of My Sister’s House.