When we think about peace on Earth, do we think mainly in terms of preventing global wars? Perhaps. But unfortunately, there is violence closer to home. What about violence within the home? World peace should begin with a person’s own family, but too often it doesn’t. Victims of domestic violence and the volunteers and staff members who help them know this well.

Family Shelter Service, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence, opened its doors in 1976. Downers Grove is the site of a new building that offers shelter to victims and their families, and its arrival garnered 42 new volunteers, said Karen Hurley Kuchar, FSS executive director.

A new support group has been taking shape under Kuchar’s guidance: the Community Resource Council. Its purpose, Kuchar said, “is to promote public awareness of FSS to local community members and organizations and to secure resources for FSS in the local community.”

One way the public awareness campaign can be tended to by council members is for them to arrange for speaking engagements with local organizations and groups. Members also can personally promote FSS events and ongoing projects like the recent walk/run event and the Second Chance Resale Shop.

Several women have been meeting to develop the council’s concept. They include Cindy Klima, marketing director for the Downers Grove Economic Development Corp., and Marta Cullen, owner of Dream Interiors, a home interior design business. Both have a record of contributions to the community. Cullen, in fact, is currently the Citizen of the Year.

Citizens can contribute to the shelter and make the holidays brighter for its residents even without becoming a regular volunteer at the shelter or with the council. One such way is by participating in the Holiday Shoppe program. Gifts are needed for more than 600 children. After they are received and displayed, the clients served by FSS are able to select some for each child in the family according to the child’s needs and preferences. The organization is in need of donors and volunteers. For information, call Kathy Vorel at (630) 221-8290, ext. 7115.

There is yet another way people can help. Saving money is at the top of everyone’s holiday priorities. And recycling is hot. So achieve both ends by shopping at the Second Chance Resale Shop, 1131 Fairview Ave., Downers Grove. Proceeds will go to FSS.

Currently, not only are all of the usual items in stock — clothing, household goods, jewelry, linens, home décor and collectibles although no furniture — but an extensive and varied collection of holiday-themed items also are available. These range from sweaters and other articles of clothing to plates, placemats, ornaments and other decorations. And who says Christmas shopping has to only be for Christmas merchandise? There are great kitchen items, all kinds of clothing, giftware and so on that would make nice presents for the people on your list. Shoppers can stuff their Christmas stockings without emptying their wallets. For information on store hours or making a donation, call (630) 241-7268.

So this year, when you hear peace on earth, let FSS clients be among those who benefit.