Last Wednesday, over 300 people came together for our Annual Holiday Gift Party. The evening was filled with great food, a visit from Santa Claus, and joy that was felt by all. One of our Holiday Gift volunteers sums up the experience nicely:
“Volunteering at Holiday Gift is such a meaningful opportunity to see and participate in REACH’s mission in action. Sponsoring a family and volunteering the day of the event has become one of my own holiday traditions.” – Jenna, Holiday Gift volunteer
During this magical (and busy) week, 295 families (over 850 adults and kids!) received gifts. These gifts came from the more than 200 incredible donors who have never met the families they shopped for. The gifts were items the families asked for themselves; gifts that donors thoughtfully picked out based on information provided by each survivor such as hobbies, favorite colors, and sizes.
For REACH staff and volunteers, it is a wonderful week of organizing and distributing the gifts. Everyone works together to manage all aspects of the Holiday Gift Program with care and consideration. To give you just a glimpse of the week, Deb Heimel, REACH’s Associate Executive Director, wrote a blog about why she loves Holiday Gift week and what this team effort looks like.
The party, generously hosted by our friends at Vistaprint with catering donated by Blue Ribbon BBQ and an amazing group of volunteers, provided a joyous opportunity for survivors to gather and celebrate the holiday season. Survivors, staff, and volunteers alike look forward to this party every year.
All of this would not be possible without the kindness of you, our donors and volunteers, who do so much to brighten the holiday season. Your generosity also helps us provide important services to survivors and communities all year long. If you have not already made a year-end gift to REACH, please consider doing so to help sustain these vital ongoing programs.
