NATCHEZ — Holidays tend to conjure up images of happy families, brought together in celebration.

But those idealistic images are not always the reality for some families.

For those families the Guardian Shelter for Battered Families provides a place to safely stay. The families served are often in a domestic violence situation or are homeless as a result of a domestic violence situation.

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time, Shelter Director Donna Miller said. Problems such as substance abuse or child custody issues can intensify because of holiday stress.

“The holidays sometimes bring out the worst in people,” Miller said.

But the shelter provides more than just a place for families to stay. It also provides services such as transportation and daycare, as well as helps women find jobs.

“You don’t just come and sit,” Miller said. “Our goal is to work with them to be a productive citizen in the community and take care of themselves and their children.”

While families stay at the shelter, they try to provide them with things they need to get back on their feet.

“Many women come with none of their personal belongings, and we have to try and help them have those essential things to help them while they’re looking for a job,” Miller said.

Some of those items include household items for when families are ready to move out into their own place. Such items include bed sheets, towels or anything else used in a house.

“They are normal people who want to have normal things in their home,” Miller said.

The shelter also needs personal care items such as toothpaste and shampoo. Other necessary items include diapers, wipes, school supplies, school uniforms and food such as canned goods.

Any donated clothing goes to the shelter’s resale store, The Guardian Collection, where families select their clothing. Items can be dropped off at the store, located at 624 Franklin St., Natchez.

The shelter is also in need of monetary donations to help pay for things such as medical visits or medications. Checks should be made out to the Guardian Shelter for Battered Families and can be sent to P.O. Box 1225, Natchez, MS, 39121.

Donations are tax deductible. Miller said the shelter would also appreciate being remembered by any businesses looking for a charitable organization to donate to before tax season.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Miller at 601-442-0142.