SAFE Family Justice Centers is asking Murrieta-area residents and businesses to help families rebuilding after domestic abuse celebrate the holidays.

The nonprofit's appeal, published Oct. 30 in The Valley Business Journal, asks for grocery gift cards so parents can prepare holiday meals, new toys for children and gift cards that let parents pick out and wrap presents themselves.

"For parents rebuilding their lives after abuse, creating those moments can come with difficult decisions," the appeal states. "When money is going toward a security deposit, groceries, or transportation to work, there may be little left for the holidays."

SAFE Family Justice Centers is an independent domestic violence nonprofit and registered 501(c)(3) that brings government and community-based partners together under one roof, according to the organization's website. The group has operated since 1998, and all services at its centers are free.

The organization serves families in the Murrieta-Temecula area through its Temecula Family Justice Center at 28910 Pujol St. in Temecula. The former Murrieta office merged with the Temecula location in March 2024, according to a SAFE FJC announcement. The two cities are about six miles apart.

Services include help with restraining orders, safety planning, relocation assistance, counseling referrals, legal referrals and court support.

How to help

Businesses, coworker groups and families can host a toy or gift card drive, make a financial contribution or coordinate other support through SAFE FJC's team, the appeal states. The organization asks that all donated items be new. Its donation page notes that SAFE FJC asks donors to "donate with dignity" and cannot accept used items.

Marshall Hamilton, writing in The Valley Business Journal on behalf of SAFE FJC, described the campaign's goal: "A grocery gift card can help a family prepare a favorite Thanksgiving dish or sit down to a holiday meal together. A new toy can give a child something to be excited about."

Residents who want to contribute or coordinate a drive can contact SAFE Family Justice Centers at (951) 587-3900 or [email protected]. Online donations are accepted at safefjc.org/donate.