CHICAGO (WLS) — An early dose of holiday cheer arrived for over 200 residents at Chicago’s Pacific Garden Mission shelter, as new clothes were delivered to help them embark on fresh beginnings.
This heartwarming event, featuring not just clothing but also treats and festive tunes, was designed to inspire and uplift the men as they aim for brighter futures.
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The atmosphere was full of festive joy as the recipients, just in time for Christmas, were gifted with new wardrobes.
Among them was Marquate Swift, who quickly picked out his ideal outfit.
“I’ve been facing a lot of challenges recently. I’m trying to get back on track,” Swift shared.
The 47-year-old, along with many others, benefited from the brand-new men’s clothing distributed during the inaugural Christmas at the Mission event.
It’s a South Loop shelter that roughly 400 unhoused or housing insecure men call home.
“The fact that people walk through our doors and put their arms around them is a blessing,” Pacific Garden Mission President Phil Kwiatkowski said.
The Chicago not for profit I Am A Gentlemen, which is known for its male mentoring programs, hosted the event along with its sponsors.
“We wanted to make sure we provided them the tools and resources to not only feel good, but look good as well,” said Jermaine Anderson, executive director of I Am A Gentlemen.
The holiday initiative coincided with a rare evening address from the White House by President Donald Trump, during which he bragged about a good economy.
“One year ago, our country was dead. We were absolutely dead. Our country was ready to fail, totally fail. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world,” Trump said.
Terry Crandall says that’s not how it is in his world.
He’s currently working loading trucks, but hopes the new clothes will bring him some confidence for a new job.
“I was probably saying a nice dress shirt so I can go to interviews and try to find a better job,” Crandall said.
According to U.S. Census data analyzed by the ABC7 Chicago data team, in Chicago, the unemployment rate is 7.3%, but the Black unemployment rate is nearly twice as high, at 14.2%.
Despite the reality, Calvin Dilworth remains optimistic.
“This actually motivates me because I’m in the shelter; I don’t have my own place. And so that in itself is motivating to move up,” Dilworth said.
The group’s outreach doesn’t stop there. On Christmas Eve, they’re planning a holiday dinner and Christmas gift giveaway for several hundred families.
