Holiday Gift Program supports nearly 250 families!
Last night, REACH provided nearly 250 families with gifts for the holidays. Holiday Gift Program participants caught up with old friends at the party and enjoyed delicious food, provided by Blue Ribbon Barbecue and REACH's volunteer cooks and bakers. Children spent time with Santa and parents left with gifts not only for their children, but for themselves, thanks to our generous Holiday Gift Sponsors.
One survivor who attended the party wrote a special note to her sponsor:
"Thank you for taking the time out of your own life to help my family. The holiday season becomes stressful for me because I cannot provide my family with everything they need and want, and every year I have a wonderful family, through REACH, who makes a significant difference in our lives every year. Thank you for your kind heart."
Another survivor reflected on her experience at the holiday party noting:
"The real jewels at the REACH holiday party, of course, were all the children dressed to the hilt in beautiful dresses and neat pants. They were running and smiling and playing. The real jewels were their mothers making sure that their children were well cared for. Their children could look forward to Christmas presents under the tree just like any other children because of this holiday party...The strangers who provided food and toys and gift cards and clothing would never see how wonderful their gifts truly were. Perhaps that makes these strangers even more remarkable, in that they would never have the satisfaction of seeing the joy on the faces of the women, men and children who came to this holiday party. These strangers gave, because they could...Without knowing how profoundly they touched the wounded hearts of survivors of domestic violence, they healed some of that brokenness and restored hope to those truly in need of it. And that is a beautiful thing."
REACH would like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the year, including many of you who have already made year end gifts. If you are making your decisions about year end giving, please consider REACH, so that we can continue to touch the many lives affected by domestic violence.
We believe that no one should have to stay in a place where their safety is at risk because they can't afford to leave. Your gift helps us build healthy communities by providing shelter, advocacy support, and a fresh start for domestic violence survivors, and helps to educate teens about healthy relationships in the hopes of preventing domestic violence before it happens.
To make a year end contribution, please donate now or send us a check, payable to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, to PO Box 540024, Waltham, MA 02454.
Happy Holidays!
