Sophomore Elena Sjaastad and a group of other students completed their service hours with Women Advocates in St. Paul by handing out flyers to local businesses. Shaastad finished her hours over the summer, getting active on the days when most businesses were open. Sjaastad mostly targeted local businesses, volunteering through the Women Advocates organization. The Women Advocates organization provides shelter for women in need and care for victims of domestic abuse. Sjaastad’s shifts were anywhere from forty-five minutes to three hours. Sjaastad said, “We would ask if they could put it [the flyer] somewhere in the store.”

The stores varied from retail to food stores, and she helped spread awareness around her local area to help women in need. She completed her hours before COVID-19 cases spiked and was able to safely go into stores.

All ages are able to volunteer at Women Advocates. Women Advocates are also accepting donations at the house located on Grand Avenue or on their website. Women Advocates looks to gain awareness for the women struggling especially during COVID-19 where it is harder to escape the home life.