Rescue Mission kicks off Operation Hope Tote on Jan. 30

Date: 1/26/2009

The Springfield Rescue Mission will begin its sixth annual Operation Hope Tote on Jan. 30. The Hope Tote campaign provides daily essentials such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo and other daily staples to homeless and needy men and women living in the Greater Springfield area. Dubbed "Operation Hope Tote," the campaign is a collaboration between the Springfield Rescue Mission and concerned individuals, churches, schools, businesses and other organizations in the Greater Springfield area.

According to Ron Willoughby, Executive Director of the Springfield Rescue Mission, the campaign was designed to help encourage homeless and needy men and women to move one step closer to a permanent decision to improve their lives. "We've found that once a person can clean up and feel even a little better about themselves, they're in a better position to make other, more long-lasting changes like getting involved with the education, work training and spiritual counseling programs offered by Springfield Rescue Mission," Willoughby said.

Hope Tote bags -- plastic "help bags" with tote handles -- can be used by homeless and needy men and women to carry personal supplies such as soap, socks, shampoo and other cosmetic essentials. The Springfield Rescue Mission hopes that individuals and families throughout the Greater Springfield area will each agree to fill a Hope Tote bag for at least one homeless person this spring.

In addition, local schools, churches and businesses are being urged to participate in Operation Hope Tote as a "countdown to Easter" project that is meaningful, while easy to do. Those choosing to participate in Operation Hope Tote will receive Hope Tote bags and instructions for filling them.

Hope Tote bags will be available Jan. 30. Anyone wishing to join the Hope Tote team may request program materials from the Springfield Rescue Mission by calling 732-0808 ext. 114. Filled Hope Tote bags should be returned to the Mission by April 4.

The Springfield Rescue Mission is a faith-based non-denominational Christian outreach ministry that has been serving the homeless and needy in the Greater Springfield area for more than 117 years.