Over 500 people enjoyed a Christmas Banquet prepared by the Merced County Rescue Mission, which was hosted at the American Legion Hall on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus made an appearance and happy children received toys. Clothing was also made available through the generosity of the Bus Boutique. Thank you to the many volunteers who came to make this event a memorable one for the participants and we are grateful to Mr. Nawabi from 7-11 who helped to underwrite the event.
Upcoming Christmas Eve Banquet!
This Christmas Eve, we invite all who would like to join us, to our Annual Christmas Banquet, Monday, Dec. 24th, 10am-12pm at the American Legion Hall, 939 Main St., Merced. Please share, let's get the word out to families and many others who may not have a place to go to enjoy a Christmas dinner! Santa Claus will be there to personally hand out toys to children up to the age of 13 and LifeLine will be there with free clothes for those in need.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Tim Adam at 209.947.1394. We could use more toys for this event - If you'd like to donate new, unwrapped toys please bring them to the American Legion Hall at 9am on Monday, 12/24. Thank you!
Thanksgiving Banquet 2018!
Once again it was the privilege of the Merced County Rescue Mission to coordinate the Community Thanksgiving Banquet. We were able to serve about 675 people and were blessed to have over 100 volunteers come bearing pies who generously gave their time and energy to help others. The American Legion once again hosted the event by making their facilities available. But this event goes far beyond what takes place on Thanksgiving Day. The involvement by individuals, organizations and clubs demonstrates the depth of care and the spirit of giving across our county and even our neighboring counties. I will not even attempt to name all the individuals who gave turkeys, supplies and money to make this event possible! We cannot thank you enough!
Perhaps by sharing some of the work and donations from organizations you will be able to catch a glimpse of the size of this endeavor and that it truly takes all of us working together to make a difference. We started receiving donations to help with this event in October. The Sunday before Thanksgiving the Mi Gente Motorcyle Club arrived at our office in force on about 50 motorcycles and with a U-Haul truck to bring us over 100 turkeys. On a daily basis turkeys, stuffing and canned goods arrived. Many needy families were given turkeys and food to make their Thanksgiving dinner at home while we put together the needed supplies for the Thanksgiving Day Banquet at the American Legion Hall. Aloha Floral and Valley Christian Church in Atwater received donations of stuffing on our behalf and the day before Thanksgiving, a club from Merced College picked up all the stuffing and spent the night preparing it. On Wednesday evening the Kiwanis Club arrived with students from three Merced High Schools to wash and wrap 400 pounds of potatoes and to prepare 100 turkeys. Later a club from U.C. Merced came and spend the night cooking the turkeys and potatoes. The Salvation Army collected rolls and pies, the McSwain 4H club brought potatoes, and Atwater Packing donated sweet potatoes. A group of faithful people from the Ponderosa Basin Church in Mariposa made their annual pilgrimage to decorate tables. Gary’s Rent a Can supplied portable toilets and LifeLine supplies their Bus Boutique to make clothing available. The Binational Health Week Committee came and made flu shots available to those attending the banquet.
Over 30 people from the Rescue Mission worked for weeks and also on the day of the event to insure that everything went smoothly. Thank you to everyone for your great efforts!
Mi Gente, Christian Motorcycle Club, Donates Turkeys for Thanksgiving!
On Sunday, November 18th at noon, the Mi Gente Christian motorcycle club arrived at our office on over 50 motorcycles. They brought a U-Haul and pick up truck full of canned goods and frozen turkeys to help feed those in need our Thanksgiving Banquet coming up on Nov. 22nd. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity demonstrated by Mi Gente as they seek to make a huge difference in meeting the needs of people in our community. In addition, Mi Gente hosted a wonderful BBQ on Sunday at the American Legion Hall for those who are homeless and hungry!
Halloween Bingo Bash 2018!
A little late posting this, but this year’s Halloween Bingo Bash held in October and put on by the Senior Nutrition, Living Well Cafe was a success! It brought so many together from our community. Organized by our very own, Gina Thomas - Thanks for a great event!
The event was held at the Merced Women’s Club and we had a packed house filled with our Seniors and several community members. Many of our Seniors dressed up in Halloween costumes. Guests enjoyed wonderful entertainment provided by Merced’s Dance Saute, and longtime Native American performer Skyhawk. Skyhawk is a senior himself and has been dancing over 50 years.
Thank you to everyone involved that helped to make this event a success!
Building Hope Campaign - Proposed Site Plan!
We have an opportunity to expand our impact on homelessness, increase our capacity and provide a residential environment for recovery and healing. Partnering organizations in close proximity will enhance collaboration. Hope will blossom inside of these buildings.
Will you consider donating to our Building Hope Campaign?
Seed the change now by clicking here.
