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The Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS), a family violence and rape crisis center, just received a really large donation— and it was from a Babylon-based organization.
Last week, the Babylon Rotary Club donated $2,000 worth of clothing to VIBS during the rotary’s monthly membership meeting at the Long Island Yacht Club.
The donation was a mix of men and women apparel, including underwear, socks, and sweatshirts—all necessary items victims may need during a crisis.
“Sometimes [the victims] have to turn in their clothing in for evidence,” explained Anthony Zenkus, VIBS’ senior director of education and communications.
While loading six boxes stuffed to the brim with brand-new, fresh clothing into his vehicle, Zenkus couldn’t thank the club enough.
“This is one of the biggest donations we ever received,” he told GreaterBabylon. “This is going to last us, and it is going to make a difference in people’s lives”
The main goal of VIBS, which was founded in 1976, is to assist the survivors of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault, elder abuse, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
To do that, the nonprofit has 24-hour hotlines with crisis counselors, and even sends out specialty trained nurses to crime scenes.
“Our volunteer rape crisis counselors will go to victims and sit with them and talk to them,” said Zenkus, “Letting them know what to expect, but also let them know what services are available.”
Donations like these help keep the organization up and running, said Zenkus.
Babylon Rotary vice president Megan Noble has been a longtime supporter of VIBS and its mission.
Back in May, at a book luncheon, Noble met Zenkus, where she asked how she could help. That’s when they came up with the idea of donating clothing.
She quickly turned to the rotary, where she was amazed by the response.
“Every time you come to this group and say you want to do so something, they blow you away,” said Noble.
To learn more about VIBS, make sure to click here.
Scroll down for photos.
(L-R) Babylon Rotary Club president Jim Kanzler, VIBS director of development Paige Carbone, Rotary president elect Josie Titcomb, Rotary vice president Megan Noble, and VIBS’ Anthony Zenkus. 
Anthony Zenkus filling up his truck with the donation from the Babylon Rotary
