The Rescue Mission gave a hand back to those who have given their hands in service to the Mission in 2016. Volunteers, staff, and members of the community were invited to the annual Volunteer Appreciation event on Sunday, February 12.
“We had 5,000 volunteers give more than 80,000 hours of service to the Rescue Mission last year,” says Volunteer Manager Karl Stewart. “The Mission wouldn’t be able to function without a dedicated army of volunteers so it’s our turn to serve and thank them for all the many ways they give.”
Volunteers were treated to a special program highlighting the various ways they have served throughout the Mission and individual volunteers and groups who have gone above and beyond were recognized.
One couple receiving a special recognition were Tom and Grace Mercer. Retired missionaries, the Mercer’s moved to Roanoke from Atlanta, Georgia after touring the Rescue Mission last May.
“In the past 9 months, the Mercer’s have helped in our evening chapel services, assisted with our children’s ministries, served as the on-site facilitators for 2016 Camp Jubilee, oversaw renovation (and did much of the hands-on work) of a house that was donated to the Mission, spent time helping in the learning center, volunteered in maintenance, built shelves for our book library, and served as transporters,” said Chief Administrative Officer Kim Gembala. “They are an invaluable tour de force and have touched so many lives at the Rescue Mission.”
The event included light refreshments and live music by Exalted.
The Rescue Mission of Roanoke is a Christian Crisis Intervention Center for Southwestern Virginia. It receives no government funding of any kind and is supported by the generous donations of our community partners. It has served all people in need regardless of race, creed, gender, age, or ethnicity since 1948. For more information visit www.rescuemission.net.
