Light of Life Rescue Mission serves over 900 hot meals, hygiene kits to people in need

PITTSBURGH — During the pandemic, the Light of Life Rescue Mission has certainly lived up to its name.

This year, the nonprofit has seen a growing need for shelter and meals, and as the holidays roll around, officials said there isn’t a shortage of men, women and children who need their support.

Through the Mission’s Christmas Outreach Program and tents to help keep people socially distant, the organization did what it does best Friday: showing up when people need them the most.

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The Mission’s 50 volunteers served over 900 hot meals that included ham, potatoes and corn.

Along with a hot meal, everyone received a gift card to Wendy’s or McDonald’s, a hygiene kit and winter accessories.

“We believe that hope starts with a meal. It starts with a night of shelter. No matter who is coming to us, we believe that meal can lead to a conversation that leads them to taking the next step to helping transform their life,” said Doug Smith of Light of Life Rescue Mission.

Keri Baker, who has volunteered at the mission for over a decade, also helped them go mobile this year by personally delivering meals to residents in 11 local high-rise buildings.

Baker said this season, she wants people to remember that we can all use a little help from time to time -- no matter the circumstance.

“There’s not always an abuse problem or substance abuse problem. A lot of times it’s just a circumstance problem, someone just needs a little help, a little hope, a little bit of that next step,” Baker said.

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Cox Media Group