The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission has been helping the homeless since 1953. This is their 17th year putting together a huge Christmas celebration.
Carole Murphrie, Executive Director of Good Sam says, “this is always the saddest night of the year for people, because they’re alone and all they have are their Christmas memories. So, we decided to make this the happiest night of the year.”
Making it the happiest night because for months, Good Sam has been taking in donations from the Coastal Bend to present as gifts to the homeless. It’s nights like this that make the hard times easy enough to get by, says Eric Williams. “Well I wasn’t able to spend it with my family, so this is my family. And I love it, I’m so grateful.”
Williams is just one of many that received a gift on Christmas Eve, during Good Sam’s Christmas Eve Celebration. He tore open a box that had sweats and toiletries inside. Williams remark, “I love practical gifts!”
The night continued on with Christmas carols, stories about life and Jesus Christ, and then every person needing some love on Christmas Eve, was able to pick a present from the donated gifts.
“Supporters from all over the Coastal Bend, have donated. We now have 2,000 gifts,” says Murphrie.
The holiday cheer did not stop on Christmas Eve, the Good Sam will spread more goodwill on Christmas Day, too. For the past few years, Good Sam has shuttled people to Peoples Restaurant and Lounge for a free Christmas meal.
Berry Wilkins with the Good Samaritan says, “it’s something that a lot of the people involved are not going to enjoy very often throughout the year. So it’s something very special for the them on Christmas.”
For those that are struggling during the holidays and throughout the year, the Good Samaritan does what they can to help others. No matter the situation anyone is in, Good Sam makes you feel a part of the family.
“Everybody needs help sometimes, and they came through for me when I really needed it. I’ll always appreciate the Good Sam,” says Williams.
For anyone needing a Christmas meal, Peoples Restaurant and Lounge will be offering free Christmas lunch starting at 11 a.m.
Peoples are also needing volunteers and ask volunteers to be at the restaurant anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
