Free children’s movie night offers more than entertainment

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KFVS) – A southern Illinois organization is putting on a free holiday movie night for children.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, the Survivor Empowerment Center is putting on the event at the Dentmon Center in Carbondale.

Children can watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) while enjoying arts and crafts, snacks and hot cocoa.

There will also be opportunities to write letters to Santa and make cards for veterans.

Admission is free, but there is a $5 movie-themed photo op families can take part in.

The Grinch himself may also make his way down from Mount Crumpit to visit movie-goers.

Sarah Settles has been with the Survivor Empowerment Center for 15 years.

She said Saturday’s event is more than just a movie night–it is a way for children and families in need to experience holiday joy and time together in a completely safe environment.

“It’s extremely important for them to be able to feel safe in comfort, in a time of such stress, especially over the holidays,” Settles said. “That’s one of the things that we’re hoping to accomplish with this.”

For people and children lacking that stable home environment, this time of year isn’t so easy.

“We do have a large influx of individuals with children that come to the shelter, and it’s just a time that as much as we can, we try to provide them with a safe environment to enjoy the holidays and to feel comfort.”

Comfort is a big deal at the shelter. Settles said upon arrival, people are given a bag with items like fuzzy socks.

The community can help ensure that comfort by donating any of the following items:

• Blankets
• Coats
• Hats
• Gloves
• Shoes
• Boots
• Warm, fuzzy socks

Survivor Empowerment Center not only offers physical safety and refuge, but counseling and legal advocacy services, among many others.

“It is very important to know that they are not alone and that they can eventually be able to be out on their own in a safe place, that they don’t have to go back to the environment that was unsafe for them.”

Click here to visit the Survivor Empowerment Center’s website. Call 800-334-2094 for the 24-hour domestic violence helpline.

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