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.<\/p>\n
“We operate 100% without any government funding, so we’ve been community-supported since the beginning,” said Allentown Rescue Mission CEO Skip Smith.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the shelter held its annual Thanks For Giving event at both Josh Early Candies locations in Allentown and Bethlehem.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal today is to fill the trailer,\u201d Smith told 69 News.<\/p>\n
They brought in some heavy weights to help. Easton’s own legendary boxer, Larry Holmes, was on hand for meet-and-greets.<\/p>\n
But for the McKay family of Quakertown, the reason for donating was simple.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
McKay said it was a chance to teach his children about the joy of giving.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
That “stuff” included more than just food, but personal care items as well.<\/p>\n
“Supplies are very important: toiletries, paper products, toothpaste, paper towels, you name it,” said Smith.<\/p>\n
Smith said he is always so happy to watch the generosity pour in. For McKay, he said it just feels good.<\/p>\n
“We want to make sure that we are giving back this holiday season,\u201d said McKay.<\/p>\n
\nCopyright 2026 Maranatha Broadcasting Co., Inc.. All Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
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