Annual charity drive to support families dealing with domestic violence launches across Valley

PHOENIX — Each month, the team at KTAR News 92.3 FM throws roses at the stages of various donors that serve local charities.

This month, the Community Spotlight is on Trajan Wealth, which spearheads a yearly initiative to improve the lives of domestic violence victims during the holiday season.

The registered investment advisor is collecting donations for its Gifting Holiday Hope Program, which gives essential items to families, especially women and children, who rely on help from a nonprofit called the Sojourner Center.

CEO Jeff Junior said he admires the way the Sojourner Center helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking.

“You’d be surprised to learn that, every five minutes, police answer a call for domestic violence,” Junior told KTAR 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Thursday. “It’s jaw-dropping.”

Why does Trajan Wealth support Sojourner Center?

Junior said he first decided to partner with the Sojourner Center when he was looking for a cause to benefit years ago.

“I wanted to benefit those who really didn’t have a choice,” he said. “That’s the kids. Over half of these shelters are filled with children who don’t have a choice as to which family they’re born into.”

He sees his company’s support of the nonprofit as a way to alleviate the struggles children in unstable situations go through.

“I want to make sure that … we can somehow stop the cyclical abuse that happens,” he said.

Trajan Wealth has supported the Gifting Holiday Hope Program for eight years.

Although the program takes place during the holidays, the nonprofit needs support throughout the year.

“It’s an ongoing need, so it doesn’t have to be made by Christmas or any particular time,” Junior added.

How to support Gifting Holiday Hope Program

The drive accepts items such as socks, undergarments, bed sheets, pillows and other basic necessities. It also accepts toys for children.

Essentially, the program focuses on giving away items can help give a sense of normalcy and stability to people who are being uprooted from their homes due to domestic violence.

“Just imagine uprooted from your home and …  what you need,” Junior said. “The children go all the way up to age 18, so it’s not just infants and toddlers, as far as toys, you can drop off anything that could benefit [them].”

Those interested in donating can do so by dropping gifts off at any of Trajan Wealth’s four offices, the Sojourner Center or at the golf charity drive on Dec. 3 at Camelback Country Club.