The Rescue Mission has been a shelter for the homeless of the Trenton area since 1915. It's approach to this charity is to put every man to work to help offset the cost of operations. The Board of Directors realized a long time ago that Evangelical Christian generosity had to be combined with work and revenue production in order to survive the hardships and financial strain that historic events like the Crash of 1929 would bring to the community.
The approach has allowed this pillar of giving to house more than 12,000 men in 1931 by having them cut wood for sale, work in industrial salvage in the many factories of heavily industrialized Trenton, and to help run a store selling used clothing, furniture and appliances.
I bring my old clothes here every year, and have even been rewarded by seeing a man on the street wearing one of my suits. I hope he got the job. When I have furniture to get out of my home or office, I call the Rescue Mission to come pick it up in one of their trucks. They will even take an old car that still works.
I had the good fortune of working on the same street as the RM early in my legal career at the Legal Aid Society. I saw firsthand the large number of people who relied on it to survive. Too, several of these people became my clients when denied benefits, or in need of help in dealing with landlords, employers or other legal problems. It was rich and rewarding work.
Please consider giving your recyclable clothing, housewares, and donations to the Rescue Mission. After more than 110 years, you know they are doing something very right.
Helping those who help others is a blessing, mitzvah, and great feeling.