JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local nonprofit organization held its annual coat drive Saturday morning to help people without homes in Jacksonville.
Hannah’s Hope House, a charity that 16-year-old Hannah Hall created six years ago, collected coats and other personal items for those in need last weekend.
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On Saturday, the nonprofit held its annual distribution at City Rescue Mission.
Organizers said the charity gave way more than 300 items to people in need— including coats, shoes, blankets, gloves, and toiletries.
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. “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.”
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.
Agape Health was also at Saturday’s distribution and provided health screenings, including information on stroke prevention.