Christmas can be an especially difficult holiday for our residents and guests, since they are not sharing it with their families. We try to make it a special time at the Mission. We have a special Christmas Eve service at noon that joins staffmembers, residents, guests and volunteers.
On Christmas day, we host the Annual Christmas Coat Drive Giveaway. New York Cares collects coats in November and December at various locations around the City and brings them to New York City Rescue Mission to distribute on December 25. For hundreds of poor or homeless New Yorkers, a new or gently-used winter coat is not only a welcomed Christmas gift, it is a means of survival.
Along with serving satisfying holiday meals, we try to provide other special things as well, like playing Christmas movies on the big screen. One donor has provided the money for KMart gift cards for the Recovery Program residents, which they may use to buy gifts for themselves or family members.
Most importantly, we emphasize the true message of Christmas: a Savior is born! We remind our guests that it was Jesus' care for each of us that prompted His coming down to Earth on that first Christmas. We take the time to reflect on the hope and forgiveness offered through Christ. This message is one that needs hearing. Many of our guests feel that the things they have done while living on the streets are unforgivable. New Life is the best gift of all.
Coming soon...