Contact Name: Kristen Rice
Contact Phone: 617-625-5996
P&G Gillette Boston Saves Holidays for Domestic Violence Survivors
Donation Provides a Holiday for 5 Families Left Without Sponsors for Holiday Wish List
SOMERVILLE, Mass.—RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency, today praised the swift action and generosity of P&G Gillette Boston, whose sizable grant to RESPOND’S Holiday Wish Program will make the holidays brighter for five families struggling with domestic violence. The grant, which will cover the costs of providing food, gifts, shelter and holiday decorations, fulfilled a last-minute need for these families, who otherwise would not have been able to afford a holiday celebration.
When the company that originally sponsored the families notified RESPOND that they would be unable to fulfill the Holiday Wish Lists, the agency was left desperately seeking a replacement sponsor so they could provide the families with a much-deserved holiday. P&G Gillette Boston came to the rescue immediately.
"There's no better time of year to help underserved children and their families,” said Damon Jones, Global Communications Director, P&G Gillette. “When we were made aware that there would be families from RESPOND’S shelter without Holiday Wish List sponsors, we knew we could make a difference. As a member of the Greater Boston community, we are thrilled to be able to help make Christmas a bit brighter for these children."
The generosity of donors aids RESPOND each year in providing a holiday for the domestic violence survivors they serve and support throughout the year. For survivors, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time.
“P&G Gillette Boston has been an amazing supporter of RESPOND, but this gift, made on short notice, is a true testament to their commitment to the community,” said Jessica C. Brayden, Executive Director of RESPOND. “P&G Gillette Boston has made an enormous difference for five deserving families with this grant, and for thousands of other survivors thanks to the projects and initiatives, large and small, that they have funded for RESPOND through the years.”
This holiday season, local donors, including P&G Gillette Boston, have sponsored a total of 84 individuals and families.
“Every bit of help makes an enormous difference,” said Michelle Fine, Director of Programs and Services. “Aside from the joy of toys and gifts for children and teens, the community is helping ensure that families have essentials to get them through the winter… coats, hats, mittens, sheets, towels, warm blankets, sweaters. We are so lucky to have the support of a caring community that steps up even when times are tough. We cherish our donors and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their generosity.”
If you are interested in making much-needed donations of gift cards to local grocery stores, pharmacies, easily accessible department stores and MBTA passes, please contact Kristen Rice at kristen@respondinc.org or visit www.respondinc.org.
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RESPOND provides direct services to approximately 5,000 domestic violence survivors and their children every year through individual counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline (617-623-5900), emergency shelter, support groups, children’s services, advocacy, legal support in the courts, community outreach, and educational programs. Based in Somerville, RESPOND serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Services are free, confidential, and available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, French and English.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on programs, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org
