Holiday spirit sparkles at shelters for homeless individuals in Salisbury
SALISBURY, Md. – For many homeless individuals, Christmas comes with tough emotions, and sometimes feelings of loneliness. Two shelters in Salisbury are hard at work this Christmas Eve, doing everything they can to provide community and joy to those they serve.
Holiday Hope at HALO
Dozens of guests entered the doors of the HALO Ministry Shelter on Tuesday.
“They joined us for devotions. We’re watching Christmas movies today. Yesterday, we had cookie decorating and hot cocoa,” said Brhe Meece, Resource and Respite Coordinator at the shelter.
Meece said some of the shelter’s younger guests were consumed with counting down the hours until Santa’s sleigh flies in.
“We want to just embrace [our guests] in love and let them know that we are here for them… I’m telling you right now, we know that there are going to be lots of gifts under the tree for [the children,]” Meece said.
On Christmas morning, a hot meal will be offered at HALO.
“We have fabulous volunteers that come in and give up their time. They prepare wonderful meals. Tomorrow morning, [guests] will have a hot breakfast,” Meece said.
Christmas Cheer at The Christian Shelter
Just a few streets away at The Christian Shelter, volunteers were busy Tuesday preparing for a sweet celebration.
“We had a donor that donated a bunch of pajamas, so we decided to have a pajama party. We are going to show a movie, and we are going to make Christmas Eve special for the children,” said Anthony Dickerson, Executive Director of The Christian Shelter.
The guests at The Christian Shelter will also be treated to Christmas meals. Dickerson said the kids are in for a huge surprise on Christmas morning. Thanks to a generous donation, each one will be gifted a tablet.
Dickerson said it’s that spirit of generosity that makes all the difference for families in need.
“Every Christmas, the parents are in tears because sometimes they’re not able to afford those things that they would love to purchase for their children. So, we’re excited about Christmas this year,” Dickerson said.
How You Can Help
Both shelters are powered by the work of volunteers and donations from the community.
At the HALO shelter, Meece said more helping hands are always needed.
“[We would love] if you can come in a give up your time in the cafe. We’ve got the Resource and Respite Center later in the day. The Bargain Center is always looking for help. So, just come into the office and sign up. You’ll go through a little orientation class to see where you’d best fit in,” Meece explained.
Meanwhile, at The Christian Shelter, Dickerson said the facility needs donated cases of bottled water.
Looking ahead, Dickerson said the shelter plans to start a mentorship program, aimed at connecting families in need with those who can guide them to success.
“We want to make sure every family has a mentor. So, hopefully, we have a couple of social workers that are going to volunteer and help lead that initiative,” Dickerson said.
To learn more about volunteering at the HALO shelter, click here. For more information on helping out at The Christian Shetler, click here.
