Byline: Fernando Quintero, Rocky Mountain News
Six-year-old Lizbeth Garcia's favorite part of an early Easter meal at the Denver Rescue Mission's Lawrence Street Shelter on Friday?
The slice of apple pie topped with extra whipped cream.
But the gift of an Easter basket was her favorite part of the day.
She squealed as she discovered candy inside the colorful plastic eggs stuffed inside the basket, along with toys and a plush pink Easter bunny.
"I love candy," she said in Spanish as her mother, Carla Garcia, 28, smiled.
Several families with children participated in the mission's Easter celebration on Good Friday.
"The children being taken care of is what I'm most appreciative of," said Garcia, a native of Chihuahua, Mexico. "I think it's important that they not suffer just because their families are going through tough times."
Along with Easter baskets for the children, adults were offered a foot washing and medical exam, a new pair of shoes and socks, and a goodie bag filled with soap, toothpaste and other hygiene products.
The foot washing and exam, conducted by volunteers from Inner City Health, not only was meant to soothe feet and uncover any foot-related problems, but it also symbolized the biblical account of Jesus washing the feet of his 12 disciples before the Last Supper.
Before their meals, participants were treated to a "praise band" playing inspirational songs, and communion services provided by Volunteers of America.
The Easter celebration served an important purpose beyond recognition of the upcoming holiday, said Brad Meuli, the shelter's president and CEO.
"Like any time of year associated with being with family and friends, it's important that the poor and people on the street know someone cares about them," he said.
The warmth that 39-year-old Michael Kerr said he felt from staff and volunteers was welcome relief from the bitter cold on the street.
"I'm struggling with some life issues right now," Kerr said. "What comes from (the volunteers') hearts is the real thing. And it makes you feel better for a while."
CAPTION(S):
Photo
Lisette Williams gets a good laugh as she applies lotion to the feet of Lee White, a Hurricane Katrina victim who loves Colorado after adjusting during the past year. The homeless received free foot washing and other amenities Friday at the Denver Rescue Mission. STEVEN R. NICKERSON / THE ROCKY
Activities connect religious stories to modern faith Rescue Mission tends to needy, presents goodies.(News)Byline: Fernando Quintero, Rocky Mountain News
Six-year-old Lizbeth Garcia's favorite part of an early Easter meal at the Denver Rescue Mission's Lawrence Street Shelter on Friday?
The slice of apple pie topped with extra whipped cream.
But the gift of an Easter basket was her favorite part of the day.
She squealed as she discovered candy inside the colorful plastic eggs stuffed inside the basket, along with toys and a plush pink Easter bunny.
"I love candy," she said in Spanish as her mother, Carla Garcia, 28, smiled.
Several families with children participated in the mission's Easter celebration on Good Friday.
"The children being taken care of is what I'm most appreciative of," said Garcia, a native of Chihuahua, Mexico. "I think it's important that they not suffer just because their families are going through tough times."
Along with Easter baskets for the children, adults were offered a foot washing and medical exam, a new pair of shoes and socks, and a goodie bag filled with soap, toothpaste and other hygiene products.
The foot washing and exam, conducted by volunteers from Inner City Health, not only was meant to soothe feet and uncover any foot-related problems, but it also symbolized the biblical account of Jesus washing the feet of his 12 disciples before the Last Supper.
Before their meals, participants were treated to a "praise band" playing inspirational songs, and communion services provided by Volunteers of America.
The Easter celebration served an important purpose beyond recognition of the upcoming holiday, said Brad Meuli, the shelter's president and CEO.
"Like any time of year associated with being with family and friends, it's important that the poor and people on the street know someone cares about them," he said.
The warmth that 39-year-old Michael Kerr said he felt from staff and volunteers was welcome relief from the bitter cold on the street.
"I'm struggling with some life issues right now," Kerr said. "What comes from (the volunteers') hearts is the real thing. And it makes you feel better for a while."
CAPTION(S):
Photo
Lisette Williams gets a good laugh as she applies lotion to the feet of Lee White, a Hurricane Katrina victim who loves Colorado after adjusting during the past year. The homeless received free foot washing and other amenities Friday at the Denver Rescue Mission. STEVEN R. NICKERSON / THE ROCKY
