Christmas is in the air at the Rescue Mission, with lots of festivities for shelter guests and program participants, as well as the community.
- Frosting and sprinkles will be flying this Friday, December 16 when volunteer Elizabeth Mick and her family host a cookie decorating party at 6:30pm for kids and parents staying in Family Shelter.
- On December 21, the children perform the annual Christmas Play at the 6:30 pm Chapel Service. “The kids love wearing costumes and performing in the Christmas Play,” says Children’s Minister Natalie Kline. “They will be singing a few songs as well as reading the Christmas Story.”
- The community is encouraged to bake their favorite Christmas cookies or treats for the Mission’s Christmas Day Feast. Treats may be dropped off at the Rescue Mission December 19 – 24.
- On December 22 and 23, children and teens at the Mission will be making small gifts and Christmas cards to give their families from 1:30-3:30 in the Women and Children’s Center.
- The annual Christmas Day Feast is open to shelter guests and the community. From 1-3pm, guests will be treated to a delicious menu of pork tenderloin, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, corn, cranberry relish, rolls, and an assortment of Christmas cookies. “The Christmas Feast one of the biggest events in service to the community at the Rescue Mission,” says Volunteer Coordinator, Karl Stewart. “About 1,000 people are expected to attend the Feast with 130 volunteers giving their time as table hosts, servers and ‘elves’ who will hand out gifts to everyone who attends.”
To volunteer at the Christmas Feast or any time, contact Karl Stewart at 540-777-7651 or [email protected].