SHOEBOXES FOR KIDS COLLECTS 200 GIFTS

The Rescue Mission would like to thank the Merced County Educational Services Sunshine group who collected 200 wrapped gifts, nearly 100 pairs of socks and 10 blankets for the children of Merced County during this year’s Shoeboxes for Kids gift drive.

Every year, the gift drive invites staff at the Department of Education to donate gift items for children in the community. Gifts are then distributed to children for the holidays at the Rescue Mission’s Christmas Banquet.

Shoeboxes were prepared and wrapped by students from Hilmar Unified School District, who donated 500 socks from their holiday sock drive.

Thanks again to the Sunshine group for their generous efforts to help needy children in our community have a happy Christmas. The group is composed of Heather Woody, Ceci Perez, Elmira Mello and Sandra Betschart.

Pictured: MCOE staff Odessa Osby, Mary Louro and Elira Mello prepare gifts at the 8th Annual Shoeboxes for Kids gift drive.

Holiday Banquets, a Huge Success!

Approximately 700 people at each event enjoyed sumptuous holiday meals with all the trimmings. All of this was possible as the community came together around us with donations of food, and so much more. We thank the American Legion who allowed us to use their facilities, we thank churches, businesses and individuals who supported these events in so many ways. Clothing was made available to those who needed it. Hundreds of volunteers came to serve the meals, to share a meal with one of our guests and to listen to their stories. Some of our volunteers also prayed with people as they left. At our Christmas Banquet Santa was present to the delight of the children who received presents. Once again, thank you to all of you who made these banquets such a festive and special experience as we cared for people who often feel forgotten.

Joy to the World!

By Dr. Bruce Metcalf, Executive Director, MCRM

“Joy to the World,” exclaims our celebration of God’s gift of His son, who came into the world to bring us hope and salvation. In this season of gratitude and giving, your generous gifts to the Rescue Mission are giving hope and dramatically changing lives.

Recently, the men in the Mission’s Hope for Men program prepared an incredible feast to thank the teachers and volunteers who have helped transform their lives. It was a blessing to hear some of the men share their own stories and to experience with them the beautiful change in their lives.

Some of the men had also invited family members to come and enjoy the gourmet meal. Seeing men share special moments together, with their families gave evidence of God’s love which keeps radiating out to men, women, and families who so desperately need that love.

It is God’s love expressed through your prayers and your gifts that make all this possible. In this Christmas season, the Rescue Mission thanks you for sharing God’s blessing with those who need it most!

Hope for Men prepared and served a Thanksgiving dinner in appreciation of the teachers and volunteers who serve the Mission.

Thank You - Veterans!

Once again, our Hope for Men and Women program helped set up flags for the Field of Honor at the Merced College Campus. During this ten-day event, our men and women helped straighten flags every day and also helped take down the flags at the end of the event. It was a great opportunity to serve together with the community.

Thank You - Food Drive Update

Holiday Food Drive - Now through December 22nd:
If you would like to donate non-perishable food items, you can do so at the Mission office, 644 W. 20th Street in Merced, Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. All donations are appreciated! Thank you!

Most needed items for our Christmas Banquet:
Boxes of stuffing mix, 40 (#10) cans of corn, and 40 (#10) cans of beans (#10 cans are available at Smart & Final). Cash donations are also appreciated to help us purchase hams. Thank you!

THANK YOU to those who have donated food for our Annual Food Drive. We are blessed to partner with you in providing food to low-income families and those who are unhoused. Food from this drive also helps us provide traditional, holiday meals to over 1,000 people at our banquets!

A BIG THANK YOU to Merced City School District, Calvary Chapel, St. Paul Lutheran, Creekside Church, Gateway Church, Kind Neighbor, West America Bank, Aloha Floral, Merced County Young Farmers and Ranchers, and Merced/Mariposa FFA!

Merced County Young Farmers and Ranchers partnered with the Merced / Mariposa FFA Section to donate over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food to the Mission! Pictured above: Pierce Hanning – chair, Alexxis Rudich – Harvest for All, chair, Denelle Flake – Treas., Sarich Avila – vice chair.

Hope Program Visits Mariposa

In October, the HOPE for Men and HOPE for Women participants spent a day in the foothills near Mariposa cleaning up the hiking trails. Bill King, the Mariposa coordinator, was very grateful to all the men and women for their help. While there, everyone enjoyed the great outdoors and the beauty of God’s creation.