Local Organization Gives Homeless An Early Christmas
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- For the Miami Rescue Mission, summer is the season of giving during Christmas in July.
This year the organization is giving back to 3,000 homeless and needy families across South Florida.
"I'm grateful for every little thing that they give us," said Maddie Corujo.
There was music, meals, medical care and makeovers with free haircuts and showers for the adults.
"Good opportunity for the homeless to get their hair and grooming done," said Waddell Thomas.
"They have information tables about jobs about community services…so those who want to come off the streets…We can get them into a life changing program," said Marilyn Brummitt with the Miami Rescue Mission.
For the kids, it was all about face painting, bounce houses and balloons.
"I'm having a great time. It's awesome here. You get to see the rabbits. There's magic shows. There's balloons. It's really awesome," said Beckerline Pierre.
Corujo said, for her son, this event was a special treat.
"Considering that we're homeless it takes away from the fact that we are and it's just a day for him to enjoy and have fun and just be a little kid," said Corujo.
"It gives the kids opportunity to have fun because they need something like this in the community," said parent Audrey Santil.
But it wouldn't truly be Christmas without piles of presents. The mission gifted 600 at risk children with toys and new sneakers.
Smiles all made possible by 500 volunteers who know the spirit of giving happens all year round.
"It's a great feeling. You're helping change lives," said volunteer Cory Casceel.
The Miami Rescue Mission puts the event on every year at their campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach.
It's not all about the kids, one of their main missions is to sign people up for programs to help them get back on their feet.
