LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – For over 100 years, the Allentown Rescue Mission has provided a place to stay for men in need, but it takes a village to keep it running. Right now, the shelter says they’re housing around 130 men.
“We operate 100% without any government funding, so we’ve been community-supported since the beginning,” said Allentown Rescue Mission CEO Skip Smith.
On Saturday, the shelter held its annual Thanks For Giving event at both Josh Early Candies locations in Allentown and Bethlehem.
“Our goal today is to fill the trailer,” Smith told 69 News.
They brought in some heavy weights to help. Easton’s own legendary boxer, Larry Holmes, was on hand for meet-and-greets.
But for the McKay family of Quakertown, the reason for donating was simple.
“The Lord has blessed us over the years, and it’s just a good opportunity for us to give back and help others,” said Tom McKay.
McKay said it was a chance to teach his children about the joy of giving.
“My kids and I actually went out this week to the grocery store and did a shopping spree and filled up two carts worth of stuff,” he said.
That “stuff” included more than just food, but personal care items as well.
“Supplies are very important: toiletries, paper products, toothpaste, paper towels, you name it,” said Smith.
Smith said he is always so happy to watch the generosity pour in. For McKay, he said it just feels good.
“We want to make sure that we are giving back this holiday season,” said McKay.
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