COUNTYWIDE : Rescue Mission Seeks Holiday Help
To reach its goal of providing more than 6,000 turkey and ham dinners to homeless people on Christmas Day, the Orange County Rescue Mission is now seeking donations and volunteers.
Jim Palmer, an organizer of the event, said the project is the largest of its kind in the state and offers the homeless and impoverished families free food as well as gifts of clothing, toys and blankets.
“In some cases, with families, it gives them the boost they need to get them back in a self-sufficient mode,” Palmer said. “A lot of these people have lost their jobs, their homes, their clothing, but one thing we don’t want them to lose is hope.”
He estimated that there are 10,000 homeless people in Orange County, 4,000 of them children.
The Christmas project, which has grown steadily during its 28-year history, will require more than $30,000 in donations, Palmer said. Also, at least 500 volunteers are needed to prepare food and hand out gifts.
The meals will be served free at the Rescue Mission, 1901 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Day. Donations may be sent to: Orange County Rescue Mission, 1542 Edinger Ave., Suite B, Tustin, Calif. 92680. For more information or to volunteer, call (714) 835-8508.
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