(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission is thrilled to announce the winner of its Christmas in July holiday card contest, Richard G. Richard’s moonlit forest scene topped eight paintings in a competitive race for the honor of becoming the Allentown Rescue Mission’s 2025 Christmas card picture.

All the paintings were created in the Mission’s Therapeutic Art Class by men in crisis who are residing at the Mission. As the winner, Richard will be highlighted on the card with his painting, and he will receive a gift card for a local eatery.

“I’m 53 years old and this is the first time in my life that I won something, and it’s so huge that it will be shared with the world for Christmas. I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life. Thank you. It’s an honor and a privilege,” Richard jubilantly stated.

Richard grew up in an intact, Christian family but began rebelling at the age of eleven. For four decades, he didn’t take responsibility for his actions; he “chased the high.” But after jail time and a drug overdose, Richard came to the Allentown Rescue Mission with a vision to do better.

Today, as a graduate of the Mission’s Transformation Program, Richard is employed by the Clean Team

Workforce. He’s excelling at the jobs he’s been given and showing responsibility and initiative.

The Allentown Rescue Mission thanks all the guests who participated in the contest. The contest and Christmas card would not be possible without their willingness to take a risk and put their talents in the public eye.

The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 145 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter to men in crisis since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a faith-based residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team Workforce that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team Workforce pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for nearly 1,000 men and serves more than 60,000 meals to men in need.

To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org

Information provided to TVL by:
Stefanie Appel