LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — It’s a holiday shopping spree for which customers don’t need cash, debit or credit.
“They can come to this party and pick out some items for themselves, and items for their children, or wife,” said Hope Center Director of Development, Carrie Thayer.
In teaming with its many community partners, The Hope Center staged a Christmas party for its client roster of homeless men, veterans and recovering addicts. Everything from toys, sporting goods and clothing were available here.
“You think it’s just a sweatshirt, or coat, but if you don’t have these things, they’re meaningful,” said Michael Mattingly, who was here representing Valvoline, which donates to this cause.
The Hope Center offers shelter and counseling resources to those in need. And when they came here, Craig Robertson and Tobias McDonald were very much in need.
McDonald spent last Christmas in jail. What a difference a year makes!
“It’s going excellent. I’ve got about six weeks until completion,” McDonald said of phase-one recovery. He’s hoping to have a job by next Christmas.
Robertson, who is in his fourth month of phase-one has plans to be here again next year, but in a different capacity.
“Just come to volunteer. Give back what they game me. They helped me a lot, so it’s only right that I come back and do what I’m supposed to do,” he said.
McDonald and Robertson found hope inside here. Who knows how many clients who were “shopping” here today, will be receiving that same gift of hope during the next 12 months.
