Shelter donations decrease in city

By Jeff Dusing
Daily Forty-Niner

While many people consider the holidays to be the season of giving, donations to the Long Beach Rescue Mission have decreased this year in comparison to previous years.

As a result, the homeless of Long Beach and its surrounding cities may have even less for the holidays.

"The majority of this food would come from individuals in our community and it's just been a bit lower this year than in years past," said Rev. Bill Thomas, pastor and chief executive officwe for the Long Beach Rescue Mission. "We are just trying to get the word out to our supporters in the community, to let them know that this holiday season there's a lot of homeless men, women and children that are coming to the mission."

The needs of the mission vary most times of the year, but as the holidays and the low temperature-months approach, the mission is looking for canned foods, turkeys, hams and any food that would be part of a Christmas dinner. They are also asking for, blankets, coats, gloves, warm hats and other clothes to help keep their residents warm.

"We want to be able to provide them with the food they need today, as well as, provide them with a wonderful Christmas feast," said Thomas, as he pointed out that while most people think about contributing during the holidays, donations are needed year round.

Store managers for Ralphs, Albertsons, and Vons in the Long Beach area were all contacted to discuss their contributions to the mission, however all parties refused to comment.

"The vast majority of our support comes from individuals," Thomas said.

Along with holiday meals, the Long Beach Rescue Mission provides several other services. The mission has 120 beds to shelter single homeless men and provides a drug and alcohol program. Abused women and children are provided with 33 beds and a learning center.

While many focus on providing food during the holidays, Thomas adds that the mission doors are open for those who are without food to come in for free meals year-round.

"We really appreciate the support that the people in our community provide for us," said Thomas.

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