Domestic Violence Awareness Month
As the emergency shelter comes into one of the busiest seasons, Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas is calling on the community to help bring comfort and dignity to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through a pajama donation drive in the weeks leading up to its annual Passion for Purple luncheon. This donation drive is generously sponsored by The UPS Store.
The Passion for Purple luncheon will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin. This powerful gathering raises critical funds and awareness for survivors across East Texas who rely on the agency for emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, transitional housing, medical support, and more.
In conjunction with this year’s luncheon, the agency is seeking new pajamas for women and children in all sizes. These pajamas are more than just clothing—they provide survivors with a sense of safety, comfort, and normalcy during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. You can bring warmth, dignity, and healing to those who need it most.
“When someone escapes abuse, they often arrive at our shelter with little more than the clothes on their back,” said Whitney Burran, Executive Director at the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center. “A clean, new pair of pajamas can restore dignity and help someone feel human again. It may seem small—but it’s incredibly powerful.”
Community members, churches, schools, and local businesses are encouraged to host pajama drives or drop off donations directly at the agency offices during normal business hours through Friday, October 3, 2025, or drop off at The UPS Store at 3009 S John Redditt Dr E, Lufkin, TX 75904. Donations can also be dropped off at the Passion for Purple luncheon. A pajama drive Amazon wish list can be found at amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/26FE9UUZZ795G?ref=gr_search_page_result
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to honoring survivors, raising awareness, and working toward the prevention of abuse in all forms. It is a time to reflect on the impact of domestic violence in our communities—and to stand united in supporting those affected.
Donated pajamas will be distributed directly to survivors and their children as part of the agency’s wraparound emergency and transitional services.
The Passion for Purple luncheon will also feature moving stories of resilience and advocacy from Nichole and Jim Schmidt, mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, and a call to action to support life-saving programs. For more details about the pajama drive, please contact the agency at (936) 639-1681. To buy a ticket to the Passion for Purple luncheon, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/passion-for-purple-luncheon–2025