TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Wabash Valley community members are planning fundraisers to help a local organization.
Sarah McKeown says she has lived at the CODA shelter longer than any other resident at this time, and the organization has made a profound impact on her life.
“It’s the only reason I’m where at right now. If it wouldn’t have been for CODA, I would have never made it these last six months,” McKeown said.
The CODA emergency shelter gives a home to those who have been victims of domestic violence or abuse.
Soon, this home could be in jeopardy, if CODA can not raise $150,000 dollars by September 13th.
Currently, the shelter operates 24 hours a day but those hours could change from 8 A.M. To 8 P.M, leaving some residents vulnerable.
“We’re hoping that we get what we need so people like me don’t have to worry,” McKeown said.
Since CODA’s announcement of their financial situation, several fundraisers hosted by community members have been planned.
That includes one Friday morning at the Red Room Cakery.
“The community has been very, very, good to me the last couple years. So why not do something to give back to the community, the organization itself?” said Jamie Chesterson, owner of Red Room Cakery.
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Department is also stepping in to help CODA’s cause.
“It would really really be a terrible thing in our community to not have that service, to not provide that shelter for them to go when they’ve been the victim and they survived that,” said Sheriff John Plasse, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department.
Staff at CODA say the support they’ve seen has brought an array of emotions.
“Watching all of these businesses and everything is very emotional. So, we’re really speechless,” said Christy McCullough, assistant director of CODA.
Friday, August 23rd, Red Room Cakery will host a biscuits and gravy breakfast. The cost is $8, with half of those proceeds and all tips benefiting CODA. It starts at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 11 A.M.
Monday, August 26th, Meadows Cafe will donate all tips and dessert sales to CODA. That fundraiser starts at 7 A.M.
Wednesday, August 28th, Vigo County Sheriff’s deputies will host a car wash. The fundraiser will be held at Show Me’s from 10 A.M. To 6 P.M. All donations from the car wash will benefit CODA.
CODA staff says they’ve raised over $20,000 so far.
