REACH Launches 2020 Holiday Gift Program

The 2020 holiday season is approaching. At REACH Beyond Domestic Violence we are left speechless every year by the overwhelming generosity of our donors who make the holidays brighter for those who have survived abuse. Last year alone, our Holiday Gift Program provided gifts to over 300 families (equaling over 900 people!). Since the pandemic began, our intake line has been busier than ever. We expect this year’s program will see an even greater need. Without you, the REACH Holiday Gift Program could not happen.

The goal of the program has been to provide each family member with four gifts, each in the $25 range. In past years, families would compile a holiday wish list, which REACH staff would pass on to a donor who would shop for the items. But with the many ways COVID-19 has impacted our lives and traditions, the program will look different this year. We know that being able to collect physical gifts will be a challenge during these times. Instead, we will be focusing the program solely on donations of Target gift cards.

REACH wants to continue to provide financial assistance to families who need it, continue to provide an opportunity for community, connection, and social involvement among donors and volunteers, and prioritize the physical safety of donors, volunteers, staff, and survivors.

To sustain the magic of the Holiday Gift Program, we need more donors than ever to support this work. Our goal is to provide $100 worth of Target gift cards for each person we are working with.

Here’s how it works: Donors choose the family size they are willing to sponsor and either purchase physical gift cards in $25 or $50 increments, or make a donation through our website for the Holiday Gift Program and we will purchase the gift cards on your behalf. (Please note, we are not able to accept e-gift cards).

We have chosen to limit the program to only include Target gift cards to create a safer logistical experience for our staff, volunteers, and participants. Target will allow more access for those who would like to shop for traditional gifts, as well as those who need essential items like household goods, groceries, or cleaning supplies, as well as opportunities for in-person or online shopping.

If you are able to be a donor for this year’s Holiday Gift Program, please email Lizzy Dugan (lizzy@reachma.org) and indicate the size family you would like before you purchase the gift cards. Mailing or delivery of your gift cards to REACH will be coordinated with the staff.

We plan to collect all gift cards from donors by Wednesday, November 25th so we can distribute them to families during the first week of December.

REACH (Refuge, Education, Advocacy and Change) Beyond Domestic Violence is a non-profit organization that has been working with survivors of domestic violence to foster safety and support while engaging communities to promote healthy relationships. Since 1981, REACH has been working to build healthy communities by ending domestic violence throughout 27 communities north and west of Boston; serving more than 7,000 people annually, including women, men, people of all races and ethnicities, survivors of all ages, and people who are LGBTQ.

Together we will reach beyond domestic violence. (www.reachma.org)