The holidays seem to come and go so quickly! It is a busy time for Hearts for the Homeless; but, all the busyness is worth it to make sure our poor and homeless community has the chance to join in the festivities.

The homeless and poor will be the guests at an annual Christmas Eve Dinner, a day of celebration, music, dinner, and more, put together especially for them. Hearts partners with the Buffalo Dream Center every year, to pick up the homeless and poor from 5 different locations and transport them by bus so they can enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner and celebration. 

At the end of the Christmas Eve dinner, each guest is driven back to their bus stop; but, not before they are treated to a bag full of homemade Christmas cookies to go, handmade by 132 volunteer bakers. Both bakers and dinner guests look forward to this event every year.

All through the Christmas season, the phones and doorbells continuously ring with people who want to make an impact on those who are underprivileged. Several churches and the Boy Scouts donate toys and gifts to be handed out to needy families via our thrift shop. The surprise on the faces of parents that were coming in with hope to buy a thrift item to put under the tree is that of immeasurable joy when they are asked if they would like to pick out brand new gifts at no charge! This is a favorite time for our thrift shop staff.

Throughout the holidays, our volunteer teams, donors, and friends like you join in on the festivities and bring in holiday goodies, warm winter wear, and personal care items that we distribute to those in our feeding lines. This really helps to keep their spirits up knowing about the many people that care about their needs. We thank God for each one of you.

If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to bring in a holiday treat or warm winter gloves to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year through the gifts you share.