A Special Gift on Christmas

Chattanooga, Tn. (WDEF-TV) – By some counts there are at least 500 chronically homeless people in Chattanooga .
The Salvation Army is trying to help as many as it can throughout the year, and especially at Christmas.
There was a Brunch for the Homeless at the McCallie Avenue headquarters Thursday and among the guests was a little girl who’s taken a special interest in the needy.

Folks were already lined up way ahead of the 10 a.m. opening of the Salvation Army kitchen.
For many of them, it’s an annual event, and one that guarantees they will share in some Christmas spirit.
In the crowd was a 9-year old girl who did something special.

ADDISON JONES, HELPING THE HOMELESS "I saw a homeless man and he was holding a sign that said "need clothes for the winter. I felt bad for him."

Addison Jones knew all about social media and she asked her dad if it could be used to help the homeless.

STEVEN JONES "Kids are learning a lot these days and have Ipads in school, social media is part of our life now and 10 years ago this wouldn’t have been possible.

ADDISON JONES "We set up a "go fund me" website, and our goal was 500. Our family and friends helped and so we got to 700-dollars."

As hundreds of people were having a good mid-day meal, they were not aware that behind the scenes their neighbors were already looking out for them.

STEVEN JONES "We were able to purchase about 12 jackets, several packs of socks and very heavy coats …lots of toiletries…its not on the grand scheme of things but it certainly helped out as many folks as we can."

Word eventually got around that Addison had started the "go fund me" account to help people like them who’re facing a hard winter.

LEO HARDAWAY, CHATTANOOGA "I thank you Lady for blessing us today with the bags and the gifts."

STEVEN JONES, ADDISON’S DAD "We’ve been working this year, trying to teach motivation..that’s been the word of the year., so its amazing what you can do if you’re motivated to make a difference."

At the age of 9, Addison Jones is motivated to make a difference.