PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
December 23, 2016 
Contact: Sharell Clifton 
Director of Donor Engagement 
Cell: 240-498-7504 
sclifton@missiondc.org

Washington, DC–December 25, 2016—Central Union Mission volunteers are the heart of Christmas for our Overnight Guests and employment program students. This Christmas we welcome 300 volunteers who will make the day merry and bright for over 600 hungry and poor people in the community.

According to Mission Executive Director David Treadwell, “Christmas is a pivotal time for some of our guests. They’re lonely and estranged from their families; they’re cold, hungry and sad. Our volunteers’ love reminds them that we care about them. Together we can help them turn their lives around so maybe next year they can be with their families.”

The Mission anticipates local office groups, families and even staff from WGTS 91.9 FM to helping out by decorating the shelter and dining hall, carving turkeys and serving meals, providing music and entertaining our guests with conversation and board games. Some Christmas volunteers even make sandwiches to feed homeless people who want to stay on the street. This festive, cozy atmosphere encourages guests to begin one of the Mission’s rehab or employment readiness programs—like the Spiritual Transformation Program or Ready2Succeed, which includes street maintenance, recycling, baking and cooking skills—so they can enjoy future Christmases employed and safe.

Central Union Mission began 132 years ago as churches and the community came together to care for homeless Civil War veterans. Our service to DC men, women, families and children continues to this day, and we rely on the support of private donors who care about helping poor people. Christmas at Central Union Mission is the perfect display of that selfless compassion.

Media is invited to attend. Please contact Sharell Clifton at 240-498-7504 cell or sclifton@missiondc.org to rsvp and coordinate interviews.

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Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its homeless shelter located at 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001. In addition to its emergency shelter program, the Mission operates rehabilitative and job training programs for men, a clothing and furniture distribution center, a retreat and recreation center with a camp for underprivileged children and a ministry to families and senior citizens. www.missiondc.org.

Charity Navigator awarded Central Union Mission four out of a possible four stars, which indicates that Central Union Mission adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. Charity Navigator is America’s premier independent charity evaluator