Miami Rescue Mission Holds Christmas Feast For Homeless
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami Rescue Mission is continuing their Christmas tradition by feeding the homeless on Christmas Eve.
The Miami Rescue Mission and its Broward Outreach Centers in Hollywood and Pompano Beach prepared enough food to feed more than 3,000 homeless and needy people.
It's called the Great Christmas Outreach where South Florida's homeless men, women and children enjoyed a special Christmas Eve celebration filled with music, food, fun and gifts.
"So that these families can enjoy a nice day with their families and they can receive what we always get," said a young volunteer Abby Zeledon.
In addition to the food, more than 6,000 toys were handed out to make sure ever child has a gift under the tree.
"I think this is a blessing that they do this, to help the community out and bless the children," said Damaris Rodriguez who brought her kids out to celebrate.
Senator Marco Rubio and his family got involved and helped serve the Christmas feast which included ham, potatoes, vegetable and pie.
"This is an opportunity to be able to give back and gift through the own blessings we've had," said Rubio. "We're such a blessed people and a blessed city and there are people that are in need, that are struggling, hitting some hard times. What they do here is fantastic year round but especially this time of year."
Families also received free Christmas trees and enjoyed activities including face painting and live music.
"Families are really stressed right now. They are just trying to get back on their feet and they want to do good for their families but just don't have enough," said Miami Rescue Mission Director of Development Marilyn Brummitt. "We just want them to know they're loved, they are cared for and there is help in this community."
Brummitt explained if it wasn't for the generosity of others, this event would never happen.
"We want to let people know that there is help and the community has really reached out. If it wasn't for the toy drive, the food drives and all that, we couldn't do what we do so I'd personally like to thank South Florida for helping in Broward County and Miami-Dade. You rock!"
"It's a privilege and a blessing during the Holiday Season to be able to help provide meals and gifts to those in our community who need it the most. We want our homeless and needy families to know that they are not forgotten and that we love them. Special thanks to all of our donors and volunteers who make this all happen," said Miami Rescue Mission President Rev. Ronald Brummitt.
The Miami Rescue Mission is located at 2020 NW 1st Avenue.
The Broward Outreach Center in Hollywood is located at 2056 Scott Street and the Broward Outreach Center in Pompano Beach is located at 1700 Blount Road.
