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‘Have a Heart 4 the Homeless’ looking for volunteers and donations

Posted at 7:11 PM, Nov 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-28 19:11:27-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Sharing their hearts with the homeless is an ongoing mission of a local organization that has those less fortunate at the top of their holiday list. Now the group is asking for the public’s help.

“Have a Heart 4 the Homeless” is gearing up for its 8th annual Christmas Eve celebration.

Organizers say donations have been slow trickling in.

Help the homeless with warm donations

Help the homeless with warm donations

They are in desperate need of toiletry items and new and gently used coats and boots for men and women. Those donations collected will be distributed to homeless men and women during the holiday dinner.

Organizers Joe'i Chancellor and Janasee Estep say they're counting on generous donors to give warm items and give of their time to volunteer.

“We want them to be motivated to bring in those coats, boots, blankets, scarves gloves hat socks, toiletries and even food gift cards. We want people to share the love and be a part of the experience,” Chancellor added.

Estep says they could also use more volunteers. She hopes that families in the community will get involved and help them with the gift wrapping beforehand and serve food at the event.

Organizers with Have a Heart for the Homeless.

Organizers with Have a Heart for the Homeless.

The Christmas Eve celebration will be held at Complex 112 in downtown Richmond located at 112 North 5th Street.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. When guests show up, they will be given an ornament and before the end of the celebration they will decorate a Christmas tree together.

“We need volunteers and it's a perfect time to show your children what it's all about,” Estep added. “Christmas is more about giving than receiving and a lot of families can nurture their children by showing them how to give to other people.”

If you would like to donate items to “Have a Heart 4 the Homeless” or volunteer on the day of the event alongside CBS 6 team members Shelby Brown and Rob Desir, call 909-4090.

Chancellor says they will be collecting all of the donations at Dzine Detail at 2900 West Clay Street.