Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Pace Women’s Justice Center Deliver Donated Toiletries for Neighbors in Need in Recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

(White Plains, NY) - In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, State Senator Shelley B. Mayer partnered with Pace Women’s Justice Center to host a toiletry drive throughout Senate District 37. In total, over 2,000  toiletry items were collected and donated to YWCA Women’s Residence and Clinical Services.  

Individuals dropped their donations at one of the drop-off locations: Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Yonkers Will Library, Pound Ridge Town House, Tuckahoe Village Hall and Senator Mayer’s White Plains District office. Donors provided hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, moisturizer, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products. 

Senator Shelley Mayer said, “I am truly grateful for the generosity of so many throughout my district who donated supplies to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Everyone deserves access to these essential items. While many of us purchase these items without a second thought, that is unfortunately not the reality for everyone. I am proud to be part of a community that consistently stands by our neighbors in need. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Yonkers Grinton I. Will Public Library, Pound Ridge Town House, and Tuckahoe Village Hall for allowing us to use your spaces as donation locations. Thank you to all who contributed, and a special thanks to Pace Women’s Justice Center for their outstanding work in supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as for partnering with me on this important drive.”

Cindy Kanusher, Esq., Executive Director, Pace Women’s Justice Center, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Mayer and her office for partnering with us on this meaningful initiative. The toiletries collected through this drive may seem like small items, but for the survivors we serve, these are reminders that their dignity matters—and that they are not alone. When someone is in crisis, even the most basic necessities can be out of reach. This drive helps fill that gap in a compassionate, tangible way. Community efforts like this are a powerful and vital reminder that supporting survivors isn’t just about awareness—it’s about meeting real needs and establishing a stronger safety net for survivors. When we come together with care and purpose, we ensure that survivors feel seen, valued, and respected.”

Andrea Dogostiano, LCSW, CHHC, CDP, Director of YWACA Women’s Residence and Clinical Services, said, “ On behalf of the YWCA White Plains Women’s Residence, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Senator Shelley Mayer and the Pace Women’s Justice Center for coordinating a toiletries drive. 

“This most generous donation will be a great benefit to the 193 women we serve in our supportive housing residence. Many of our residents are living on fixed or limited incomes, and in uncertain times like these, even basic necessities can be difficult to afford. Contributions like this help to ease some of that burden and ensure that every woman has access to essential hygiene items that promote dignity, wellness, and self-care. 

“I also want to thank all of the organizations who contributed to this effort—whether by donating toiletries directly or offering their spaces as drop-off locations. Your collective generosity makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of the women we serve. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and commitment to empowering women in our community.”

Pace Women's Justice Center is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. They also provide outreach and training on how to properly handle cases of abuse for professionals in the justice system including police officers, attorneys, and judges. Their mission is to pursue justice for victims of abuse.

Courtesy Photo:

From L to R: Hannah Kirk from Senator Shelley Mayer's Office; Melissa McMonagle, Development and Communications Manager of Pace Women's Justice Center; Andrea Dogostiano, Director of YWACA Women’s Residence and Clinical Services; State Senator Shelley Mayer; and Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of Pace Women’s Justice Center.