Wednesday, December 21 is the first day of winter, thus the longest night of the year. On this night, The Rescue Mission will hold a candlelight memorial walk to remember the lives of homeless individuals who lost their lives in our community in 2016. In many cases, this service is the only commemoration of the life and passing of these persons.

The walk will begin at 6:00 P.M. at The Rescue Mission (301 W. Superior St.). Participants will walk to Trinity English Lutheran Church for a short memorial service followed by refreshments and fellowship. Participants will then walk back to The Rescue Mission to close the walk. Participants are encouraged to bring a candle or flashlight to carry during the walk, as well as donations of wool socks and heavy-duty gloves. Members of the public are invited to join the walk, and the media is welcome to attend.

“This year we experienced quite a bit of heartache as we saw the passing of some of our residents at The Rescue Mission, and there were many more in the community,” said Richard Cummins, Executive Vice President of Operations at The Rescue Mission. “This walk is a way for us to remember those people, and it is a very special event for our staff, volunteers, and residents.”

Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness. Hundreds of communities across the nation recognize the event each year.

For more information about the walk, please contact Richard Cummins, at 260.426.7357 ext 138, or via e-mail at richard.