How a ‘shoebox’ gift is making a difference for those experiencing homelessness

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City Rescue Mission downtown is helping provide warm meals for hundreds of people as part of its annual Christmas banquet, which was held on Tuesday.

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Donations helped make this annual tradition possible. However, it wasn’t just meal donations, but donations of shoeboxes wrapped in a blanket, that gave it a Christmas gift feel. These boxes also contain toiletries and other essentials.

The goal is to make everyone feel cared for during the holidays.

A sermon with music and hot chocolate kicked off the City Rescue Mission’s Annual Public Christmas Banquet for our neighbors experiencing hunger or homelessness.

“It’s a great way to show God’s love this time of year because it’s Christmas,” said Paul Stasi, executive director of City Rescue Mission. “Just to show that we all care for them.”

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Donors helped pay for 300 meals this year, and it’s a team effort between staff and families who came out here to donate their time.

“It’s just a good way to spend your time. Instead of just lounging around, you can get out and actually help, and it makes a difference,” said 17-year-old Jennifer Holley, who was volunteering alongside her family.

Some went above and beyond, donating toys to recognized kids also.

“There’s so many children who aren’t gonna get toys this year, so that’s really in our heart,” shared Jennifer’s mother, Jacqueline Holley. “I wanted them to feel like they were so important and so loved.”

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Even though this is the season for giving, it’s more like a year-round mission for City Rescue Mission.

“We do this every day of the year,” Stasi said. “We provide a hot meal for anyone who is hungry and seeking shelter, so we always need help throughout the whole year.”

With the cold snap approaching Jacksonville this weekend, City Rescue Mission wants to remind everyone out there that if you need shelter or a meal, visit the shelter on West State Street, or if you see someone on the street, you can also drop them off. Stasi emphasized that everyone is welcome.

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