The Great Bra Exchange is collecting gently used bras, donating them to women at Hope House, a shelter serving domestic-violence victims in Lee&#x2019;s Summit and eastern Jackson County.</p><p>The event has collected 12,000 bras for women served by Hope House, many of whom arrive at the shelters with little more than the clothes on their back. The event began earlier this month and ends Feb. 3.</p><p>MaryAnne Metheny, chief executive officer of Hope House, said one in four women will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. Most women at seen at Hope House start over with nothing.</p><p>&#x201C;Undergarments are an essential for a woman to feel ready to go out in the world. They are part of building self-esteem,&#x201D; Metheny said in a written statement. &#x201C;The wonderful thing about the partnership with clair de lune is that we receive bras of all sizes to accommodate our clients&#x2019; various needs&#x2026;the gently used bras we receive from the Great Bra Exchanges means our women have one less stressor in their lives while getting-reestablished.&#x201D;</p><p>It is sponsored by clair de lune, an Overland Park lingerie boutique and donors will receive $15 off a new bra in return for a donation.</p><p>The bra exchange began in Jan. 2005. The shops owner, Terry Levine, hopes to exceed the 3,000 bras donated by customers in 2012.</p><p>For more information or to donate a bra call 913-491-3232.