This year the non-profit homeless resource Changing Lives of Boca Raton organization hosted their annual secret santa event. This year they helped 25 people experiencing homelessness. The volunteers provided gifts, food, water, showers, haircuts and spiritual encouragement at First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton.

“We did wish lists for 30 people with their sizes and gender, but there’s at last 50 people here and no one will leave without a gift,” said Sam Soto, Changing Lives’ executive director, adding they see at least 60 homeless people weekly.

“Come meet my boyfriend. Can you get him a job?” “Is there money for cat food?” Founder Jim Batmasian couldn’t walk 2 feet without people stopping him. He introduced a visiting pastor with a huge following who came out to see for himself what Changing Lives is doing.

The organization believes that it’s all about guiding them and holding their hand. Not giving them a hand out, but a hand up.

Changing Lives of Boca Raton is a nonprofit homeless resource that provides immediate and long-term solutions for food, shelter, social services, education, job training and other necessities to those in need. Their mission is to help transform the lives of the underserved so they may achieve independence and rejoin society.

To get involved or for more information visit: Changing Lives of Boca Raton