6th Annual ''Drive for Joy'' Seeking Gifts for Homeless on Dec. 7
November 19, 2024
The sixth-annual Drive for Joy event, presented Saturday, Dec. 7 in Bellingham by Lighthouse Mission Ministries, will collect new and practical gifts for people who are homeless.
This drive-through and drop-off event is moving to a parking lot at 839 W. Holly St., near the Lighthouse Mission’s new building, according to President and CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis. Staff and volunteers will direct people and collect new items being donated.
Some items will be packaged in festive bags and given as gifts by Lighthouse Mission Ministries on Christmas, spreading joy among homeless neighbors while providing them vital supplies. Extra items will be distributed as part of outreach throughout the year.
“These Christmas gifts make our guests so happy,” Erchinger-Davis said. “They mean so much to the person who feels forgotten. The gifts also build trust and motivation for people wanting to take the next steps in becoming independent and reconnecting with loved ones.”
People who wish to donate can drive through from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 and drop off coats, ponchos, non-knit hats and gloves, hand warmers, and single-serving instant drink packets.
Other needed items include twin-size blankets and sheets, hooded zip-up sweatshirts, underwear, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant and towels. New items are requested.
Also, gifts of Christmas cards and postage stamps will enable guests at Lighthouse Mission’s Base Camp emergency shelter to reach out to family and friends.
“Drive for Joy enables the public to incorporate compassion in their holiday season at a level of their choice,” Erchinger-Davis said. “Collect items ahead of time with your friends and family or at your business or church, then all you need to do is drop off the items on Dec. 7.”
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. The Mission cares for up to 400+ people each day and provides a continuum of services aimed at ending homelessness through street outreach, enhanced shelters, addiction recovery, spiritual support, and aftercare. To make a donation or volunteer, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org
This drive-through and drop-off event is moving to a parking lot at 839 W. Holly St., near the Lighthouse Mission’s new building, according to President and CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis. Staff and volunteers will direct people and collect new items being donated.
Some items will be packaged in festive bags and given as gifts by Lighthouse Mission Ministries on Christmas, spreading joy among homeless neighbors while providing them vital supplies. Extra items will be distributed as part of outreach throughout the year.
“These Christmas gifts make our guests so happy,” Erchinger-Davis said. “They mean so much to the person who feels forgotten. The gifts also build trust and motivation for people wanting to take the next steps in becoming independent and reconnecting with loved ones.”
People who wish to donate can drive through from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 and drop off coats, ponchos, non-knit hats and gloves, hand warmers, and single-serving instant drink packets.
Other needed items include twin-size blankets and sheets, hooded zip-up sweatshirts, underwear, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant and towels. New items are requested.
Also, gifts of Christmas cards and postage stamps will enable guests at Lighthouse Mission’s Base Camp emergency shelter to reach out to family and friends.
“Drive for Joy enables the public to incorporate compassion in their holiday season at a level of their choice,” Erchinger-Davis said. “Collect items ahead of time with your friends and family or at your business or church, then all you need to do is drop off the items on Dec. 7.”
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. The Mission cares for up to 400+ people each day and provides a continuum of services aimed at ending homelessness through street outreach, enhanced shelters, addiction recovery, spiritual support, and aftercare. To make a donation or volunteer, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org
