Thank you to all of you who helped the Rescue Mission serve over 600 meals to people who feasted on a Christmas Eve Banquet! Many received their meal at the Behavioral Health Department parking lot next to New Directions. At this location, we distributed blankets, jackets, socks, hats, and warm clothing together with hygiene kits. Hundreds of grateful recipients, people experiencing homelessness, came and were fed and received clothing. Some of the people who enjoyed this feast are temporarily living in the D Street Shelter or the Navigation Center. Volunteers also took this meal along with clothing out to people in encampments in various locations around Merced. While it is the desire of the Rescue Mission to do all we can as we collaborate with other organizations, the City of Merced and the County of Merced, to help people find housing, it is also our desire to bring a glimpse of joy and hope to each person in this special season, as we celebrate the birth of Christ. As director of the Rescue Mission, I want to praise and thank all of our staff members, men, and women in our programs, and board members who gave their time and energy on Christmas Eve and before preparing for this event in order to meet the needs of others!!
