With the weather cooling down, we are quickly approaching the holiday season.
Every year we are left speechless by the overwhelming generosity of our donors who make the holidays so much brighter for those who have survived abuse. Our intake line has been busier than ever, and we expect this year’s program will see an even greater need than in past years. Without you, the REACH Holiday Gift Program could not happen.
We have provided Target gift cards to families as opposed to physical items for the last few years and we will continue to do so this year.
Domestic abuse is about power and control. Giving survivors the opportunity to choose their own gifts is in line with our mission to empower survivors and give them choices to help them regain control of their lives. Gift cards also provide equity in the gifts provided for all our families and allow our staff to focus on what matters most – supporting survivors.
We are hoping to provide at least $100 in Target gift cards for each person in a family. With 300 families to support, we have a long way to go to make this possible. Donors may choose the family size they are willing to sponsor (single individual, adult and one child, adult and two children, adult and three children, etc.). The easiest way to donate is by going to the donation page on our website and designating your gift to the Holiday Gift Program.
You can also purchase Target Gift cards in $25, $50, or $100 increments and drop them off at the office or mail them to our PO Box: REACH Beyond Domestic Violence PO Box 540024, Waltham MA 02454. Please note, we are not able to accept e-gift cards.
Our goal is to collect donations and physical gift cards by Tuesday, November 21st to allow time to distribute in early December.
Additionally, we will once again host a Holiday Gift Store where survivors can select some physical items that may help them this holiday season. Below are the specific items we need, and we will only be accepting these items for the Holiday Gift Store.
- Full-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
- Laundry detergent and household cleaning supplies
- Paper goods (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.)
- Pajamas, socks, underwear – primarily size 2T – 10 (preschool and elementary)
- Coats, hats, gloves for children sizes 2T-10
- Hats, scarves, gloves for adults
- Games, puzzles, and toys – for an assortment of ages
If you have questions or ideas about what to donate to the Holiday Store, please contact Director of Development, Maria Duffy at mduffy@reachma.org.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making magic for so many families during the holiday season. Without you, the REACH Holiday Gift Program would not be possible.
