When you’re hungry, they will feed you. If you need shelter, they will shelter you. If you need clothing, they will clothe you. If you are ready to change your life (through their Transformation Life Skills program), get back to work (through the Clean Team), and reintegrate into the community, the Allentown Rescue Mission offers that too.
The Allentown Rescue Mission has been providing services for homeless and hurting men of the Greater Lehigh Valley since 1900. Staffed around the clock, 365 days per year, countless men have found shelter, food, and hope for a new life. Countless lives have been turned around and families reunited. A quick check on the Allentown Rescue Mission’s website and one can read story upon story about transformed lives.
Like many non-profits, the staff of the Allentown Rescue Mission cannot do it alone. Countless volunteers donate not only monetary donations, but time, food, and supplies to help the organization operate.
The month of April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and the Allentown Rescue Mission would like to recognize a few “stand-out” volunteer groups specifically in the area of Food Service:
Smirna Church of the Lord – 5 ½ year volunteer
– Smirna Church of the Lord has been volunteering for over 5 ½ years – participating in the Allentown Rescue Mission’s “Make-and-Serve” Program. This program offers an opportunity for community members to provide and serve home cooked meals to shelter guests. Organized by church member, Ivan Velez, the group provide & serve a monthly meal for guests as well as lead a chapel service afterwards- providing encouragement for all.
Lehigh Valley People Helping People – 5 year volunteer
– Lehigh Valley People Helping People has been volunteering for 5 years. This is an online meeting group comprised of individuals in the Greater Lehigh Valley who just want to give back and help others. Every other month they have provided Make and Serve meals.
Indian American Association of the Lehigh Valley – 4 year volunteer
– Members of the Indian American Association of the Lehigh Valley have been volunteering for the past 4 years providing and serving monthly meals to guests. When COVID-19 hit, the group shifted over to making and delivering 300 sandwiches, every 2 days, to feed shelter guests. The group has made thousands of sandwiches to date.
PayChex – 2 year volunteer
– PayChex employees have been volunteering for over 2 years. The company was looking for a way to give back to the community and found it by providing and serving bi-monthly meals to guests!
From the Allentown Rescue Mission staff and guests – thank you for your outstanding support to warm the hearts, souls, and stomachs of homeless men in our community. We couldn’t do it without you!
