Last week, Congressman Patrick McHenry donated office furnishings from his former Hickory District office to the The Shelter of Gaston County. The items donated--which include two wingback chairs, a bookcase, and an end table--have been a part of the Congressman's Hickory office since his election and were passed down to the Congressman by his predecessor, Congressman Cass Ballenger. 

"As my Hickory office relocated, we found ourselves with excess furniture and I'm happy to see it put to good use," said Congressman McHenry. "The Shelter of Gaston County does tremendous work on behalf of victims of domestic violence in our area and I'm hopeful this donation will be helpful as they continue their important work in the future." 

"The Shelter Staff and I are honored to accept these historic pieces of furniture," said Cathy Cloninger, the Coordinator of the Shelter of Gaston County. "They stand as a representation of services  to our community by our elected officials. We appreciate Congressman McHenry, our local organizations, and the citizens of Gaston County for their continuous support."

The mission of The Shelter of Gaston County is to empower victims of domestic violence by providing emergency shelter, advocacy, and support on their journey to an abuse free life; and to lead the community in raising awareness of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. The shelter is operated by the Gaston County government. 

The General Services Administration allows for items that are no longer needed in an office but are still in good shape, to be transferred out of federal inventory and donated to qualifying non-profit or local government agencies. The wingback chairs donated by Congressman McHenry were first used by Congressman Jim Broyhill who represented the 10th District in Congress from 1969-1986.