JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 16-year-old is continuing her mission of helping those experiencing homelessness in Jacksonville by hosting her annual coat drive.
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There was a steady flow of drop-offs at All People International Church on Edgewood Avenue Saturday morning.
Hannah’s Hope House, a charity that Hannah Hall created six years ago, is collecting coats and other personal items for those in need.
Hall started this effort when she was 10 years old to help those experiencing homelessness currently or on the brink of it.
“It is a beacon of hope really. That is why I chose that name. It shows that even though you are in the situation that you were in, you cannot give up because hope is always there,” Hall said.
This collection is not of just coats, but other items like shoes, socks, rarely worn clothes, hats and blankets.
“I thought that since I have been blessed with all that I have, I can get out to some people who are not as fortunate as me,” Hall said.
Beyond the coat drive, Hall is working on another big project.
She said her goal is to open a Hannah’s Hope service center at some point next year, as she and those involved in the charity are looking for the right building to buy or rent.
“So that homeless people can come in, they can get a warm shower and a hot meal and maybe a place to stay for the night. And be able to find jobs to be able to get out of the situation that they are in,” Hall said.
For the time being, Hall said doing this work is very rewarding.
“It means that I am doing what I have been set on this earth to do and that is to help people,” Hall said.
Hall said people have one more chance to drop off any donations at All People International Church on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The giveaway of the items collected is next Saturday at the City Rescue Mission in downtown Jacksonville from 9 a.m. until noon.