Claire Jimenez has a heart for her community. With some of her friends, she formed a group called the Volunteens. The group looks for opportunities to give back and support those in need. In October, Jimenez decided they’d help the Waterfront Rescue Mission.

JENNIE McKEON @JennieMnwfdn

PENSACOLA — When it comes to serving the homeless community, Waterfront Rescue Mission depends on donations to help keep operations running.

Thanks to one 14-year-old girl, the mission was awarded $1,000 just in time to feed folks for the holidays.

Claire Jimenez has a heart for her community. With some of her friends, she formed a group called the Volunteens. The group looks for opportunities to give back and support those in need. In October, Jimenez decided they’d help the Waterfront Rescue Mission.

Jimenez said she chose the mission because she had worked with the organization with her family in the past.

“It’s a trusting organization and it helps a lof people,” she said in an audioclip provided by the mission. “It feels good inside to know you’re helping others.”

According to a press release from the mission, the Volunteens set up a table to collect donations in front of Apple Market, and then went door-to-door in Jimenez’s neighborhood. They explained that money raised would go to Waterfront Rescue Mission and feed the homeless on Thanksgiving.

They took time that could have gone to any of a dozen things that we all do to relax and distract ourselves, but instead they collected money to make lives better for others. And they raised over $1,000, the release said.

With the Waterfront Rescue Mission experiencing a budget shortfall of $255,000, the donation was a big blessing.

“If there were 250 more people like Claire, we’d be more than caught up,” said Paul Stadden, spokesman for the mission. “That equates to 1,200 meals, 350 nights of shelter and 23 men in our recovery program and career development program.”

And $1,000 can certainly go a long way. Stadden said every $1 donated to the mission turns into about $5. And during this time of year, the mission is in most need. Its annual Thanksgiving dinner feeds about 300 people at the Pensacola shelter. The mission also prepares an addtional 350 meals to be delivered to those who can’t leave their home.

Stadden said it’s important to engage young people to give back. Jimenez sets a good example for anyone who wants to help.

“People who are going to donate for 20, 30 or 40 years start giving back early,” he said. “People like Claire really help the community.”