ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Boxing legend Larry Holmes lent his star power to the Allentown Rescue Mission’s holiday food drive on Saturday, charming donors and patrons at Josh Early Candies in Allentown.

Holmes, joined by his wife Diane and his team members, appeared to promote the drive and meet with patrons, bringing attention to the effort to provide meals for homeless men during the holiday season.

The event, held at various locations across the Lehigh Valley, featured a special stop at the family-run candy store, where Holmes engaged with donors and workers.

Radio personality Mike Mittman from Real Oldies 1470 iHeartRadio was also on-site to broadcast the event live, adding to the positive atmosphere.

During his visit, Holmes toured the candy-making facilities in good spirits with Barry Dobil Jr. and Amy Barnett, the fifth-generation siblings who co-own Josh Early Candies.

The boxer sampled fresh handmade chocolates and witnessed a demonstration of chocolatiers pouring caramel candy onto trays.

josh early candy owners barry dobil jr and sister Amy Barnett pose for a photo with larry holmes and mike mittman
Josh Early Candies owners Barry Dobil Jr and Amy Barnett with Mike Mittman and Larry Holmes

Holmes’ visit came just one day after the Paul vs. Tyson fight, and when asked about the match, he joked, “I fell asleep.”

According to Lauren Baatz, a development associate for the Allentown Rescue Mission, the food drive, which utilized a “drive-thru” setup for donor convenience, surpassed expectations.

A dozen mission workers helped collect donations, filling a medium-sized U-Haul trailer with nonperishable goods. They also accepted frozen and fresh food items like chicken breasts and ground beef.

allentown rescue mission volunteers collect supplies at a holiday food drive at josh early candies in allentown pa
Allentown Rescue Mission volunteers collect donations at Josh Early Candies in Allentown

Baatz noted that the new setup “worked well” and contributed to the strong turnout.

Holmes met with food drive workers before and after his candy store visit, thanking them for their efforts. “This is important work,” he said as he and his wife spoke with volunteers before departing.

The donations collected will help the Allentown Rescue Mission serve holiday meals to homeless men in the community, ensuring no one goes hungry during the festive season.

For more information about the Allentown Rescue Mission’s efforts or to donate, visit https://www.allentownrescuemission.org/