LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — More than 600 men walked through the Hope Center on Wednesday and walked out with new, warm clothes and a bag full of toys.
“Everything is donated, everything is brand new, and the guys absolutely love it,” said Carey Cairo, of the Hope Center.
Wednesday was the center’s annual Christmas Party, where homeless clients, mental health clients and men in the drug- and alcohol-recovery program received a little Christmas cheer.
The homeless clients were able to get socks, hats, gloves, scarfs, anything they need to last through the winter months. There was also a large selection of toys.
“The clients who are in our drug- and alcohol-recovery programs are here full-time and they don’t have jobs, so they don’t have incomes, so this provides them an opportunity to pick out a toy for their child,” said Cairo.
James McCown helped out clients and he is also one himself.
“I got a black bag full. I’m going to feel like Santa Claus walking through the front door,” he said.
He has two kids and a third on the way. McCown says opportunities like this mean the world to parents like him.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do anything for my kids, so I mean, it’s just… it’s super awesome. I’m so grateful for what this place has done for me,” he said.
The Hope Center is also hosting a second party for the women in their recovery program on Friday. More than 100 women and their kids will get a chance to shop.
