Hope for the Holidays
For many, the holiday season is a time for giving back to friends, family and communities. For the Washington City Mission, however, giving is a constant endeavor.
Despite recent setbacks, the charity organization continues to provide the needy with the care they need this time of year.
The mission works year-round to provide homeless individuals with food, clothing and shelter. In addition, it offers rehabilitation through counseling, case management and religious services.
Unfortunately, following the fire that occurred June 9, the mission has been fighting an uphill battle to regain stability. The catastrophe destroyed several major mission facilities, including the kitchen and men’s housing. As a result, the staff and residents were forced to relocate.
According to Mitch Malik, 25, an intern with the organization’s counseling department, the mission was given the support it needed to persevere.
“The town was very gracious to offer us several places to go,” he said.
Malik explained that several temporary living solutions were employed before the mission implemented its current arrangements, a series of trailers linked to form a living area, dormitories and staff offices.
The aid provided by volunteers and Washington townspeople is just as appreciated by mission officials.
“The very first day of the fire, people really opened up and donated,” Malik said. “They donated their food, they donated their money, they donated their time. … (The mission) really uses everything they get for the residents.”
As the holiday season approaches, the City Mission expects another outpouring of support. In the coming weeks, Dr. Sally Mounts, the organization’s director of development, predicts a turnout similar to that of Thanksgiving and Dec. 2014, which consisted of approximately 50 volunteers each.
What can Washington locals do to contribute to the mission’s cause this holiday season? Malik recounted the various opportunities available, including direct donations, food preparation and purchases at the Mission’s Hidden Treasures thrift stores, with proceeds directly benefitting the organization’s operation.
“Pretty much all the arms … are very willing to accept volunteers,” he said. “They’re always looking for volunteers here at the mission.”
Malik urged prospective volunteers to step up for the holidays.
“We just came from Thanksgiving, and we get a chance to look at and revisit everything that we have,” he said. “I think that, if you get the opportunity, definitely take a chance to at least visit here. If not for giving out of the goodness of your heart, it’s also a really good thing to put yourself into perspective of how great your life really is, and sometimes we take that for granted.”
Even through disaster, the City Mission remains resolute in its goals for this holiday season and opens its doors once more to the support of the community.
“It’s been a very interesting ride these past few months, but I’m very thankful that Washington has been so open and so loving to people they don’t even know,” Malik said. “I just want to thank everyone who’s been helping out. … That’s going farther than they could ever imagine, so thank you guys very much.”
Those interested in contributing can contact the City Mission at 724-222-8530, and can apply to volunteer at www.citymission.org.
By Alex York
Senior, Commonwealth Connections