Mission launches campaign

By Jizelle Estrada

Staff Intern

SPRINGFIELD The Springfield Rescue Mission, along with participating volunteers, are launching "Operation Hope Tote," a new program to give hope to homeless people for this spring. "Operation Hope Tote" is designed to help encourage needy people in the Greater Springfield area to make a positive change to improve their lives. "Operation Hope Tote" is a tool to help them start off their spring the right way.

The Hope Tote is a vibrant blue plastic bag with handles. The program of "Operation Hope Tote" is to provide daily necessities such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, socks, underwear and other everyday essentials.

The public is invited to join in helping fellow citizens in need of help by a filling a Hope Tote. Each bag that is filled will be distributed to homeless men, women, and children in the Greater Springfield area. The Springfield Rescue Mission hopes to have individuals and families participating in helping fill the hope totes. The collection of Hope Tote's will be distributed during Easter.

Ron Willoughby, Executive Director of Springfield Rescue Mission said, "We've found that once a person can clean up and feel even a little bit better about themselves, they're in a better position to make other, more long lasting changes like getting involved with education, work training, and spiritual counseling programs offered by Springfield Rescue Mission."

Individuals, churches, schools, businesses, and other organizations are collaborating with the Springfield Rescue Mission for Operation Hope Tote as a countdown to Easter, Willoughby said.

The Springfield Rescue Mission has been helping needy people in the Greater Springfield area for over 114 years. It is a Christian Ministry that not only provides help to the needy, but also spiritual guidance.

Anyone who wants to help with this program by filling a Hope Tote may request more information by calling (413) 732-0808.

Willoughby said, "With your time, compassion, and generosity we are building a community of hope."

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The Springfield Rescue Mission will host a "Homeless Outreach On-Line Auction," at www.spfldrescuemission.cmarket.com from March 1 to 31.

It is a benefit auction for the Springfield Rescue Mission--a homeless shelter and addiction rehabilitation facility for men in the Greater Springfield aea.

All proceeds will be donated to the Springfield Rescue Mission, 19 Bliss St., Springfield.

For more info, to become a sonsor, or to donate an auction item, call 732-0808, go to spfldrescuemission.org, or e-mail SRM@spfldrescuemission.org.