Helping those in need during the holidays, and year-round

LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- It's officially the holiday season, and many of us plan to make memories with our friends and families, but some aren't so fortunate. The Interfaith Caring Ministries helps those in need all year, but this season, they're giving extra attention to some homebound senior citizens.

When Jerry Hayley retired three years ago, he wanted to find a way to stay active and give back. Hayley started volunteering at Interfaith Caring Ministries in League City by gathering and delivering food to less fortunate seniors. "It gives you a warm feeling inside to know that you're giving a little bit of cheer and helping people out a little bit," he says.

But this organization isn't just a place where those in need get food. "Interfaith Caring Ministries helps those on the brink of homelessness. So, our purpose is to prohibit homelessness by paying people's rent, paying people's utilities, giving something to eat," says Executive Director Suzy Domingo.

Interfaith Caring Ministries delivers goodwill to 75 senior citizens in the area. "A lot of our seniors live by themselves and don't have family, and so at Christmas, we love to show a little extra special care," says Domingo.

Today, Hayley plans to deliver food and holiday gifts to two of those seniors. "I've only been delivering for 2.5 years, but I've had the same route the whole time and the same people the whole time," says Hayley.

So, he's gotten to know Mary Frederick well. Frederick receives a bath and body set for Christmas. "It just means so much to me. I'm grateful for that, and blessed," says Frederick.

Hayley's next stop is Ruth Martin's home. Martin lives alone, and she didn't want to open her gift. She decided to save it for Christmas, because she says it's the only gift she'll get.

"I don't have anybody to give me presents," says Martin, except for the gift she receives every time Hayley knocks on her door. "Old people need people, you know," Martin says.

For Hayley, the gift he receives is that of helping others, like Frederick and Martin. "These are find people that just need a little help. It's a good day," he says.

The main source of funding for the Interfaith Caring Ministries is through their ICM Resale Shop on Bay Area Boulevard in Webster, Texas, so they encourage people to go donate, shop, or of course, volunteer! www.icmtx.org.