Hundreds of families receive hot Christmas meals and toys thanks to Jacksonville nonprofit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

Nita Cooper-Kirce brought her family of five down to the City Rescue Mission in downtown Jacksonville to help feed the hungry.

The local grandmother told Action News Jax she didn’t realize so many people were in need.

“It was overwhelming. It touched my heart too. Yeah I want to be a part of this,” Nita Cooper-Kirce, a volunteer, said.

Normally families would be invited to eat at at the City Rescue Mission, but this year, because of COVID-19 restrictions, people grabbed their meals to-go.

Families were also able to pick out a Christmas gift and a package filled with hygiene products, and best of all, the kids met Santa.

“It’s just a series of circumstances have led to them either being homeless or in some way, shape or form, just not being able to provide for their family. So just to be able to give a kid a toy today, even be able to help mom with some hygiene products. It’s a tremendous blessing,” said Jaime Davis Williams with the City Rescue Mission.

New this year, the City Rescue Mission is offering its clients free COVID-19 testing. Results usually come back in two to three days. The nonprofit says it’s all in an effort to reduce the spread.

Inside the organization’s cafeteria, Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon watched as volunteers cooked up a nice hot meal.

Cooper-Kirce said it was important for her grandchildren to open their hearts to those who need help the most.

“We want to expose them and let them know they can be a blessing to other people. They can take time out of their schedule in what they’re doing and just allow themselves to be a blessing to others,” Cooper-Kirce said.

If you would like to help out and donate, you can click here.

Feeding the homeless ahead of the holidays

Cox Media Group