Giving Back for Christmas: DC Volunteers Help People in Need

Good News Notes:

The square was ground zero for caring and outreach to people experiencing homelessness, carrying on a Christmas tradition despite the challenges of the pandemic. 

Churches, missions and individuals converged on the park to help others. 

“We do it because it’s part of the season for us. It’s very important to share God’s love and the blessings he’s given us,” said Dave Walton, of Dunkirk, Maryland. He said he’s come to McPherson Square to help for 18 years. 

Angela Cowan, a Maryland mother, supported the homeless by providing Christmas meals for a decade. Her community helped her carry on her mission after she experienced homelessness herself.

“It just hurts because we don’t have enough food,” she said Saturday. “But we fed who we could feed.” 

A man known to Washington Football Team fans as “Tailgate Ted” also came to help. He fired up his burners to help feed people in need. 

“I was gifted this van by Ryan Kerrigan, and it’d be selfish of me not to give back,” he said. 

Every year the need grows, the crowds get larger and the hunger grows. 

It’s most obvious to those for whom life on the streets is a reality. 

“I’ve never seen people on the streets like this. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, and the homelessness up here is ungodly,” Randall Baldree said. 

Recipients of donated goods were thankful for help meeting their needs. 

“Even though it’s just blankets, toiletries, they’re still happy,” one volunteer said….”

View the whole story here: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/giving-back-for-christmas-dc-volunteers-help-people-in-need/2919448/

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