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Club Makes Over Police Room For Sex Crime Victims

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 5, 2008

TAMPA - Turning the waiting area for sex crime victims and their families into a warm living room was the aim of the GFWC Tampa Junior Woman's Club.

Club members hit their mark with the room at police headquarters, Tampa police Sgt. Paul Mumford said.

"They did a fantastic job," Mumford said. "When a child comes through the police department, it's very frightening to them. The waiting area is a perfect opportunity for them to relax while business is being conducted."

Club president Samantha Valentin said eight volunteers painted the walls and rearranged furniture recently at the police department, 411 N. Franklin St.

Rooms to Go donated a leather couch and two end tables. Jim Walter Homes provided a 23-inch, flat-screen TV set, a ficus tree and the paint.

Donated Wal-Mart and Target gift cards were used to buy decorative items, children's books, toys and games for the room's Sony PlayStation. Club members also donated items.

"This helps us to provide victims a place to wait in comfort," Mumford said. "It's so much more clean and warm. It feels more homey. I'm very pleased."

Jamie Pilarczyk

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