JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Clara White Mission is asking for the community's support to make sure that homeless veterans in Jacksonville have a merry Christmas. On Dec. 22, the Clara White Mission is hosting two holiday parties — one for veterans who live at the mission as well as a separate party for veterans who are transient.
Right now, 23 men live in the dormitory at the Clara White Mission and each one needs to be adopted. That means that they'll have more than a few gifts under the Christmas tree, but they'll have things to help them on their journey to recovery.
The Clara White Mission veteran residents represent each branch of the military, some having served during the Vietnam War. For many of the residents, the staff at the Mission is the only family they will spend time with during the holiday.
Some of the men living at the Clara White Mission struggle with sobriety or have had mental trauma from their time in the military. Organizations like Beaches Recovery, Household of Faith Church and We Can Be Heroes have donated hygiene items such as bedding, new shoes and shaving kits. This provides the men with basic needs while they go through the 90-day transitional housing program at Clara White Mission.
More items are needed to ensure all the veterans have everything on their wish list. The items include bikes, gift cards to Walmart or gift cards to local restaurants. As the men complete the program, the Mission supports them as they move into permanent housing and want to help them be move-in ready.
For organizations or individuals wanting to get involved by providing items on a veteran's wish list, they can contact the Clara White Mission to donate. The Christmas party is a private event for the veterans and the individuals who adopted them. However, donations will continue to be accepted through the new year to provide for new residents who enter the program.
The Clara White Mission veterans parties are being held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 22. The Clara White Mission is located at 613 W. Ashley St.