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Central Mission Making Christmas Happen For Needy Families

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The Central Union Mission is collecting toys for homeless families over the holidays.
Rebecca Sheir
The Central Union Mission is collecting toys for homeless families over the holidays.

Operation Christmas Miracle at the Central Union Mission is a gift-giving tradition for homeless families dating back to 1920.

David Treadwell is a Central Union Mission executive. He's very excited about their annual Christmas drive, but he's concerned about some shortfalls they have experienced for certain categories.

"We're finding that the older children — so 8 years old all the way up to 17 — we still have the greatest need."

Treadwell says he's seen a growth in the number of homeless mothers. And where there is an increase in homeless mothers, there is an increase in homeless children.

The Central Union Mission is on 14th and R St. NW.

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