Imagine leaving a life behind and settling somewhere new, especially at the holidays. For victims of domestic violence who have recently made the brave decision to start fresh, this is often the reality. 

In an effort to brighten the holidays for families starting over, InterAct hosts an annual Holiday Bazaar event. For one weekend in December, the agency is transformed into a store where mothers may “shop” to choose toys and gifts for their children, and children can choose small gifts for their mothers, too. 

A photographer takes family photos in front of a festive backdrop, children have an opportunity to wrap their gifts for Mom, and the air is full of holiday spirit.

InterAct is a nonprofit agency that provides safety, support and awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault.

Last year, InterAct’s Holiday Bazaar served 103 families, including more than 250 children. Many clients said they weren’t sure what they would have done for the holidays without it. They shed grateful tears when they learned the bazaar is made possible through donations of toys, gifts and time from our community.

Here are five ways you can help:

1. Donate new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 0 to 13. No violent toys, please.
2. Create or purchase a gift basket of no more than four items for mom. Suggested items include bath products, candles, picture frames, journals, scarves, etc.
3. Donate gift cards in $10 increments, with gift receipt, to be provided to moms and teenagers. Suggested locations include Wal-Mart, Target, grocery stores, Old Navy, Best Buy, Dicks Sporting Goods, etc.
4. Donate wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, gift bags, tape or disposable cameras.
5. Shop InterAct’s gift registry online at walmart.com or target.com. Necessary info:

First Name: INTERACT

Last Name: HOLIDAY BAZAAR

State: North Carolina

Date: December 13, 2014

Items can be dropped off now through Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Email holidaybazaar@interactofwake.org or call (919) 863-9682 to make a drop-off appointment.

For more information, visit interactofwake.org.

To read Cary Magazine's feature on InterAct, click here.