The Mission Attempt held its fifth annual Hope for the Holidays event, helping wishes come true for more than 40 North St. Louis County families needing assistance, on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“What makes us different is each family has a personal shopper. We ask for a wish list from each family, and we pick items from that list. We believe in getting our families things they want and need, rather than just giving generic gifts,” said Teona McGhaw, co-founder and Executive Director of The Mission Attempt. “We want families to feel respected and loved when they are facing difficult challenges,” said Daneika Irving, President.
Mayor Sharon Pace opened Northwoods City Hall to families to share in a meal and holiday cheer, continuing the steady support she has shown for The Mission Attempt. Besides families celebrating the holiday with community members and volunteers, children visited with Santa and families received gifts from their wish lists.
Mission Attempt held its first holiday gift-giving during the pandemic in 2020 when it helped 20 families, doubling the number of families in the years since. The Mission Attempt charity also has grown to include its Jolly July Gala celebrating businesses and individuals making a difference in the community, providing Back-To-School supplies to students, helping families with urgent needs through its Emergency Assistance Program and Juneteenth Utilities Reconnection, and giving “Thanksgiving Blessings” of gift cards and turkeys.
The local charity doubled its fundraising this year to more than $40,000, thanks to generous donors including Margie Simon, Trudy Busch Valentine, Laura Cohen, Martha Hogan, Thomas Keefe and Kayla Vaughan and County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days. The Mission Attempt also received national support this year, the 2024 Rinku Sen Grant of $10,000, awarded at The Facing Race Conference organized in St. Louis by Race Forward. The grant recognized The Mission Attempt among five local charities for its “unwavering dedication and commitment to transformative justice.”
Originally formed under the umbrella of the L.I.F.E. Foundation, The Mission Attempt received its own 501(c)(3) status in 2023.
