Pink bags for donations not part of Gateway

By Nick Watson

The (Gainesville) Times

The pink bags seen around Sterling on the Lake in South Hall have no connection to the Gainesville domestic violence center.

Flowery Branch Police received multiple reports of solicitation connected to Hope for Domestic Violence, which is based in Lawrenceville.

Gateway Domestic Violence Center in Gainesville said confused residents have called about the pink bags left on mailboxes asking for donations.

“Certainly we never want to discourage anyone from supporting those who are victims of abuse. However, we do want people to understand this group has no connection to Gateway or Hall County,” spokeswoman Erin Williamson wrote in an email. “Gateway sees an uptick in calls after one of these ‘Hope for Domestic Violence’ canvassing pushes with confused residents wondering why Gateway hasn’t come to pick up the bags.”

In addition to its emergency shelter, Gateway has two thrift stores in Gainesville, but the center cannot pick up donations.

“Gateway does not telemarket or solicit donations door to door. We are fortunate to have the support and generosity of this community in helping us create an environment for safe, healthy, self-sufficient growth and violence prevention right here in Gainesville and Hall County,” Gateway’s executive director Jessica Butler said in a statement.

To read the story originally published on May 13, 2017, click here.