Chattanooga Brings Holiday Cheer with Miracle on 11th Street Event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On a bright and chilly Sunday afternoon, the community came together to celebrate a very special occasion as PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry hosted its inaugural Miracle on 11th Street event. This festive gathering took place on December 15th, from 2 PM to 4 PM, aimed at spreading joy to the city’s unhoused residents.
The heartwarming initiative is the brainchild of Mike Rice, who founded the ministry in collaboration with St. Elmo United Methodist Church back in 2019. Since then, it has blossomed into a vital source of assistance, providing meals to those without shelter throughout the year. This year, Rice decided it was time to add a little sparkle to the holidays by organizing a Christmas event filled with food, drinks, clothing, toys for children, and essential health resources.
“Rain or Shine, We’re Here!”
With the holiday season fast approaching, the importance of supporting those less fortunate is at the forefront of many community members’ minds. Rice passionately stated, “This year’s going to be one of the many years that we do this. A lot of people ask, what will you do if it rains? Well, what we do is we’re here. The homeless, the unhoused people, live in the rain, the cold, the snow. Why would I not come out today and support them?” His commitment to the cause is truly inspiring.
What’s on Offer
At the event, various non-profits, churches, and local partners rallied together to provide essential resources. Attendees received everything from warm clothing to hygiene products, while children eagerly awaited gifts from Santa Claus, who is expected to arrive in just ten days. The list of items collected included:
- Socks (new or gently used)
- Winter gloves (any size)
- Winter hats
- Men’s and women’s underwear
- Feminine hygiene products
- Blankets
- Hygiene kits
- Backpacks (drawstring)
- Dog food (in quart-size bags)
- Umbrellas
- Flashlights
- Bottled water
Youth Volunteers Spreading Joy
The miracle of giving wasn’t limited to adults, as many young volunteers joined the event to share in the spirit of generosity. Local youth, including Makenna Kirby, enthusiastically shared, “We’re here giving out bubbles and bags to the people who need them. It feels really good to know that we’re doing good for the world.” The contagious positivity and eagerness to help were evident, with other young volunteers echoing sentiments of joy and appreciation for being able to help the community.
Sharing the Love
As the event unfolded, beneficiaries like Kandi Lucas shared their gratitude. She expressed how the ministry has been a beacon of hope, saying, “To have all these resources and brother PawPaw Mike… it is very helpful toward getting off the streets and having people that care enough about us… especially around this time of the year.”
The closing message of the event resonated deeply. Rice emphasized the importance of community and kindness, proclaiming, “We’re blessed just as much. All we need to do is love one another.” His connection to the homeless — referring to them as his family — truly encapsulates the spirit of the event.
A Bright Spot in the Community
The success of the Miracle on 11th Street event stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment of PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry to uplift those in need in Chattanooga. For anyone seeking to join the cause or learn more about the ministry, get in touch with Rice at (423) 509-7571 or drop an email to pawpawshomelessministry@gmail.com. Together, we can make a difference — one heart at a time.
