Redstone reaches out to family shelter in community

National Day of Giving encourages giving back. It takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year and reminds us to give to those less fortunate.

Garrison-Redstone's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation participated in a donation dropoff to New Futures Inc., a local homeless shelter, on Dec. 1.

The outreach activity was the result of MWR teaming up with local organizations to support WHRP radio’s “Coats and Cans for Kids.” This initiative, led by WHRP Program Director Toni Terrell, is now in its 14th year. Organizers sought donations of new or gently used coats and canned goods. Nonperishable food items were added to the donation list this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MWR put out a wide notice for donations to the Redstone community and hosted a donation site at the Exchange on Nov. 19-20.  Other donation sites were located at various organizations across North Alabama Nov. 1-22. Donations from the drive will be distributed to various nonprofit organizations across North Alabama throughout December.

Garrison leaders said it’s significant for the Redstone community to contribute and add value to these type efforts in the local community.

Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Jimenez helped deliver the food items on behalf of the Redstone community to New Futures and will also deliver coat donations to the 11 families (42 individuals) who currently live at the shelter later this month.

“It is important for Redstone to contribute and add value to these types of efforts in our local community, to continue to build partnerships with our people and local surrounding organizations reminding all that as a united team we can accomplish any mission from our nation’s callings to helping those in need,” Jimenez said.

New Futures Inc. is a nonprofit agency serving homeless families with a focus on keeping families together. The family shelter is in its 25th year.

“We are working to keep families together so they can get back on their feet,” Tayna Rains, the

organization’s director, said. “Our families are already struggling with layoffs, evictions, and child care issues, so the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional hardships. Things like food or a coat can make a difference between a family being able to get out of the shelter this month or next.”

Rains said there is a greater need for donations this year. Nonprofits across our area have experienced a loss in funding and increase in need due to the ongoing pandemic. It has been difficult to get certain donations. The pandemic has proven that homelessness can happen situationally at any time.

“It’s great the Redstone community really stepped up to come together to help their neighbors during this difficult time. I want to thank everyone that gave – we appreciate your generosity. I think it’s very important to remember our neighbors during this season,” Rains said.

Jimenez said he’s pleased the Redstone team could help our community partners.

“The goal I hoped to achieve by participating in this outreach is to show our local community that Redstone Arsenal cares and will continue as a united team to lend a helping hand as an invested local organization in our area,” he said.