|
|
|
PRESS RELEASE
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deborah Chambers
VP, Development and Partnerships
Cell: 202-534-9965
dchambers@missiondc.org
|
|
Central Union Mission in Need of Toy Donations for Operation Christmas Miracle
|
Washington, DC—Dec. 17, 2021—Central Union Mission is still in need of toy donations for their annual Operation Christmas Miracle giveaway. |
With many local offices and businesses unable to recover after the pandemic, the number of annual toy drives is significantly lower this year leaving parents with fewer options to get assistance this holiday season. The 16 percent of Washington, DC, residents who are living below the poverty line can barely afford food on a day-to-day basis, so consider the additional burden of having to buy Christmas presents this time of year places on them. |
Said one Mom, “I remember having to make a decision on whether I let the electricity be cut off and provide Christmas gifts for the children or pay the electric bill and just figure out something else. I ended up paying my electric bill. We didn’t have money for gifts, so I was glad to hear about Central Union Mission’s Operation Christmas Miracle. My kids received toys and clothing at last year’s program.” |
Giving Christmas gifts to children in need is a Central Union Mission tradition that dates back to 1925 with First Lady Grace Coolidge. Each year, with the support of our community and generous donors, nearly 1,500 deserving children are able to celebrate the holiday with gifts under the tree while also learning about the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ.
|
Today, Central Union Mission will accept gifts for children at the Family Ministry Center located at 3194-B Bladensburg Rd., NE, Washington, DC 20018 from 9:00 am- 3:30 pm. A suggested gift list is available on our website for those in need of gift ideas.
|
Volunteers are currently assembling bags of donated toys, but there is still a need for more. Gifts will be distributed at the Family Ministry Center Dec. 18-21, 9:00 am-12:00 pm each day. In addition to gifts, families will receive groceries too.
|
According to Mission President & CEO Joe Mettimano, “Operation Christmas Miracle brings Christmas joy to struggling families in Washington, DC. With the contributions of our caring community, we can help children experience firsthand the kindness that they can model in their own lives. No child should be left out at Christmas.”
|
News media are invited to attend at any point. RSVP requested. Please contact Rev. Deborah Chambers VP, Development amp; Partnerships, at 202-534-9965 or dchambers@missiondc.org for information.
|
| About Central Union Mission: |
Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides more than 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development programs for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4,000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens. Charity Navigator has rated Central Union Mission a three-star charity, GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a Top-Rated award. |
 |
|
# # #
|
|
|
|
|
