Wintertime and the holiday season bring more than just twinkling lights and hot chocolate—they also bring the opportunity to make a real difference in your neighbors’ lives. In Washington County, families experiencing homelessness and other hardships can experience a real difference thanks to City Mission and its annual Angel Tree program.
About City Mission:
City Mission is a nonprofit dedicated to serving members of the community who are experiencing homelessness and hardship throughout Washington, Pennsylvania. Their services are comprehensive and go far beyond temporary or one-time relief. The Mission offers emergency shelter, hot meals, recovery programs, and long-term support designed to help people rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and assistance.
The Mission is known for its commitment to addressing not just immediate needs, but also working to heal the foundation that leads to instability. Throughout their programs, City Mission creates a lasting community impact by choosing to walk alongside people on their journey to stability and independence.
Our Partnership
At RJ Bridges, our support for City Mission comes from our deep appreciation for their proven impact and community-first approach. Our involvement isn’t about recognition or bragging. We want to amplify the work of an organization that already does so much good and shows up for our neighbors during their hardships, and help our community.
Throughout the year, we like to participate in initiatives like Box of Love and community fundraising events that support the Mission’s programs. This ongoing partnership reflects our shared commitment to service, compassion, and investing in our own community.
Angel Tree Program: Blessings Abound
The Angel Tree program is one of the most well-known expressions of City Mission’s efforts during the holiday season. Each angel on the tree represents a real child or neighbor in need. These are people who are facing challenges that make the holidays feel like an added burden rather than a joyful season. It’s all about preserving the magic of the holidays for those without the means to make their own magic this time of year.
The program is simple but powerful. Community members can:
- Select an angel from a physical Angel Tree location
- Shop online through the Angel Tree Amazon Wishlist for giving what you can
By shopping for angels and fulfilling their wishes, donors ensure that kids can wake up on Christmas morning with gifts from “Santa” and their families can experience the warmth and hope the season represents. For the kids, it’s a dream come true. For the families, it’s a reminder that they are seen, valued, and part of a community that cares.
Beyond Angel Tree: Ways to Give Back Year-Round
While the Angel Tree program is a great way to make a real impact, there are so many more opportunities to partner with City Mission throughout the year.
New Women’s Shelter: The Mission is currently building a new facility designed to serve women experiencing homelessness, offering more opportunities to provide safe shelter and comprehensive support.
Annual Golf Outing: The Mission hosts an annual golf outing that connects the community while also raising funding for its programs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Whether it’s just a few hours on your day off or an ongoing commitment, volunteers are the backbone of Mission’s efforts.
Corporate Sponsorship and Individual Donations: Financial support enables the Mission to maintain its existing programs and respond to emerging needs in the community.
The Ripple Effect
When we support organizations like City Mission, we’re doing more than addressing immediate problems. We’re investing in the restoration and ongoing support of lives, strengthening families, and bettering the health of our entire community. Every angel’s gift purchased, every penny donated, and every hour volunteered sends a meaningful reminder to the community: you matter, you’re not alone, and there is always hope.
This holiday season, we urge you to consider donating to the Angel Tree program or dedicating time to support the Mission’s year-round work. Together, we can show up for our neighbors experiencing hardship to make sure they are part of a supportive community that shows up—not just during the holidays, but all year.
Ready to give back? Shop the Angel Tree Amazon Wishlist to shop for a child in need, check out the volunteer opportunities, or learn more about how you can support City Mission and its vital work.