Greetings from Denver Rescue Mission and Merry Christmas to you!
Denver Rescue Mission President/CEO Dennis Van Kampen wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Every holiday season, the Mission brings happiness and dignity to those overcoming hardships in all of our locations. At the end of December, we strive to provide the loving spirit that Christmas time provides.
Christmas for Kids
The holiday festivities began with children and families taking photos with Santa at The Crossing! Then the kids went into the Youth Center to eat cookies and hot chocolate and help decorate two of the Youth Center’s rooms alongside our Young Professionals group. Together, they put up Christmas trees and made snowflakes, all while listening to holiday music.
Bless Our Brothers
The men in the Mission’s New Life Program were treated to a special meal that featured Prime Rib and Shrimp Alfredo at this annual event. In addition to the excellent food, we ask each man to fill out a wish list of some items they wish to receive, and from there the Mission creates that Christmas magic—wrapping hope and joy in every gift. Each participant also gets a stocking filled with snacks, activity books and other stocking stuffers from Red Canary.
“[This gift is] awesome. I can’t even really tell you how much it means to me. It just means a lot.”
JJ, New Life Program participant
Bridge Holiday Party
The festivities at The Crossing did not stop as the good vibes remained in the air. We served 211 meals to program participants, but the joy and smiles weren’t just on the kitchen table; it was in the stories and fellowship had through the decorated halls as individuals and families gathered around.
The exhilaration continued with families ending the evening by decorating cookies. Watching the children enjoy this activity may seem small but the laughter and smiles that came from it were incredibly large.
Lawrence Street Community Center & 48th Avenue Center Banquets
The spirit of Christmas spread across our two shelters: the Lawrence Street Community Center and 48th Avenue Center. Our dedicated staff and volunteers transformed each location into a welcoming place of hope and joy for the holiday. Thanks to the dedication of the Mission’s chefs as well as nearly 100 volunteers, there were over 1,000 traditional Christmas meals served.
“It means happy holidays and that there’s more to eat no matter what. It feels really good. I’m very grateful for it because this is the one place that really does take the time to take care of others that are homeless and feed us no matter what and I do thank them a lot.”
Mesresha (right), Lawrence Street Community Center guest
Before the guests of the banquet were able to finish off their dessert, they received a gift of gloves and socks. More importantly, they got the gift of knowing they are not alone, that amid their struggles, a community of hope and compassion surrounds them and is helping them to change their lives for the better.
Housewarming Boxes
The Mission is available to individuals and families in our community who have difficulty buying food and essential household items. The Housewarming Box program is designed to meet the needs of those who are transitioning into long-term housing by providing a box filled with household supplies and hygiene items. These boxes were donated by generous community members, and we were able to gift them to those in need of extra support this time of year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We thank every one of our supporters; whether through volunteering, giving financially, donating items, or praying for us, without you, we could not provide a special Christmas for our guests. Together with your help, we are ending homelessness this Christmas, one life at a time.
