We know that we live in a very giving community, but when our donation drives have such a big success, we know that we are blessed. Thank you to everyone that helped make our “Every Drop Counts” campaign a success. The campaign ran from August to early September and helped us collect over 624 cases of water! Including a large donation of more than 8 pallets of water from Eddie Aviles of “Eddie Cares.”

We also want to thank the members of Al Ahad Islamic Center who donated over 750 lbs. of water, and all the other donors who contributed to our campaign. This drive saved the Allentown Rescue Mission over $2,500! Through donations like these, we can serve homeless men in need of a second chance.

If you’d like to donate, please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org for an up to date list of items we need or to make a monetary gift. And keep your eye on our Facebook page to be a part of our next big donation drive.

People often wonder if their donation is too small. We want to let you know that no donation is insignificant, and every donation reminds the men we shelter that they are loved and supported by their community. For example, recently, a gentleman donated fresh cucumbers from his garden. Our kitchen staff then used them to create a refreshing and delicious treat for the men. However, this gentleman wasn’t the only member of his family that wanted to give; his daughter also got in on the action!

The young girl, Anabel, made a festive card with hand-drawn hearts and flowers to encourage the men during these difficult times. Although simple, this gift was a huge morale booster for the men. So remember, no gift is too small to be precious, and anything you can do to show the men of the Allentown Rescue Mission that you’re thinking of them is greatly appreciated.

This month, to focus on keeping the Mission safe, clean, and COVID-free, we are asking for cleaning supply donations. Specifically, we are in need of Windex, Resolve Carpet Cleaner (or similar), disinfectant wipes, bleach, all-purpose disinfectant spray cleaner, Pine-Sol, toilet paper, paper towels, latex gloves (L-XL), and 55-gallon trash bags.

Albert Thomas is one of the great success stories of the Allentown Rescue Mission. Since graduating from our Transformation Program in 2017, he has secured his own apartment, furthered his education, attained a great job in New York City, and founded his own business.

Although the Transformation Program was challenging, and there were times he struggled to complete it, Albert credits the program for his continued success. “The program helped me  in invaluable ways: it got me closer to the Lord and put my spirituality is in place. A lot of good things happened for me,” Albert states. 

Now Albert wants to give back to the organization that helped him turn his life around. He wants to come back and encourage the men currently in the Transformation Program to finish the program and improve their lives. He wants to show the men the good things that can happen if they work hard, learn from their trials, and persevere with help from God.

Our Shop and Drop program is in full swing. To participate, go to your favorite grocery store, purchase the ingredients for a meal of your choice, and drop them off at the Allentown Rescue Mission. You don’t even have to leave your vehicle when you drop off the food, call 610-740-5500, and a member of our team will meet you at the curb to receive your donation. We will prepare your meal for our men, and you will fill their stomachs and hearts.

We are featuring Marlena this month in our employee spotlight. Marlena is an administrative assistant who has always had a passion for helping people. Employed by the Allentown Rescue Mission for almost a year, and she says that the work performed by the Allentown Rescue Mission does is fantastic. It is even more amazing to be a part of what they do. Marlena processes donations that fund our rehabilitation and restoration programs.

Marlena says that the most rewarding part of her job is knowing that she is helping our men get their lives back on track. Marlena’s advice to people when they see a homeless man is to treat them with kindness. “They are human, just like you and me. A simple God bless you, and a smile could make their day.”

Thank you, Marlena, for all of the hard work you do at the Allentown Rescue Mission.