PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.-- Liz Oliver is the general manager at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Palm Beach Gardens. Her holiday mission for several years-- collecting gently used clothes, shoes and jewelry for homeless women.
"I get chills, sometimes when I open the door just the expression from the women. One year we heard, they care about us. and i just broke out in tears. and we had one lady say, 'this is for us?' " Oliver said.
People from the community have been dropping off items for the big day, which is December 19th. A few days before Liz and her elves will display them in two suites. The ladies will also have a spa treatment and dinner at the hotel.
"I want them to leave with a better self confidence, self esteem and knowing that people do care and there's a chance for you," Oliver said.
It's about empowering the women.
The women live at the Lewis Center-which is a homeless shelter- and receive assistance to get them back on their feet through Gulfstream Goodwill.
"They're in a 90-day program at the Lewis Center and they are taught to get back into the work force and evolve themselves back into the community, so we want to help with that process," Oliver added.
Kat Hammer said: "It's a lasting gift, having something that reminds you of the investment that was made, having clothing, having accessories, feeling like there's someone who believes you and we all sort of need that."
The last day to drop off gently used women's clothing and shoes at Homewood Suites by Hilton is Monday, December 17th. They're in need of larger sizes.
Homewood Suites By Hilton 4700 Donald Ross Road Palm Beach Gardens 561-622-7799
