COAL GROVE — One group of local teens is hoping that they can make a small dent in a problem that touches many people’s lives in Lawrence County: Domestic violence.

Darrell Humphrey’s first period social studies class at Dawson-Bryant High School is collecting items for the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Shelter, the only full-service shelter in Lawrence County that provides a wide scope of services to families who have been affected by domestic violence.

“This (shelter) is really a worthwhile cause that you don’t hear a lot about.” Humphreys said.

He said many of the women have nowhere else to turn but the shelter and do not have the means to help themselves, which is why he feels the project is so important.

Humphrey’s said one of the 12 seniors in his class, Katie Collins, came up with the idea for the drive for the shelter. She works at The Hot Spot tanning salon and had heard from customers about the needs of the shelter.

She said the shelter was having to purchase everything out of their own limited funds, and was struggling to purchase the smallest things such as light bulbs.

Collins had previously volunteered at Hope’s Place, a sexual abuse center for children in Ashland, Ky., and had donated items to that cause. She said once she found out the needs of the local domestic violence shelter, she felt compelled to get her class involved.

“This was closer to home. I know that there are women in Coal Grove and Ironton who have been abused and need the help,” Collins said.

She and her classmates, Kristy Bennington and Sara Clark helped to get the project off the ground.

Several of Humphreys’ students unfortunately have had first-hand experience with domestic violence, the teacher explained. One of those is Clark.

“To me and a few others of us, it’s very personal. My mom was there (at the shelter) a few years ago, and not many people know that. (This project) has really touched me personally,” Clark said. “It means a lot to me.”

Humphreys said the project has been a learning experience for everyone involved, including him.

“When you hear what the kids have to say and you hear the personal experiences, it definitely makes its worthwhile,” Humphreys said. “Until recently, I didn’t really know about the shelter. I didn’t know that they helped infants and children, I thought it was only for women.”

Bennington said she hopes the project raises awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in the community.

The class started their community service project shortly before spring break, but has not really been able to collect many items yet, Humphreys said.

They are not only looking for fellow students to donate, they want other community groups and individuals to step up and bring items to the school for the cause, as well.

Some of the items needed are: toiletries, baby bottles, pacifiers, light bulbs, twin or full size sheets, blankets, pillows, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels and cleaning supplies.

For more information about the project, call Humphreys at (740) 532-6345.

Donations can be dropped off during school hours.