DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The Durham Rescue Mission is working to spread a little bit of holiday cheer for those in need.
Monday they held their annual Christmas meal and toy giveaway at the Rescue Mission’s headquarters on East Main Street.
A long line stretched outside the property with many eager to get a free holiday meal.
Inside tents, hundreds of volunteers prepped ham and vegetables, as they prepared to feed thousands for the holiday season.
“We started last night about 4:30 and so we cooked all night and got the food ready, the meat ready this morning. We’re working on the vegetables right now,” said Rob Tart, CEO of the Durham Rescue Mission.
Durham Rescue Mission hosts its 2024 Christmas meal and toy giveaway. (Brea Hollingsworth/CBS 17)
Durham Rescue Mission hosts its 2024 Christmas meal and toy giveaway. (Brea Hollingsworth/CBS 17)
In addition to toys, the Durham Rescue Mission also did giveaways for Smart TV’s, Chromebooks and more. They also gave away free clothing and groceries for families in need.
“The need doesn’t go away. Jesus said there’s always going to be the poor with you, but it seems like the inflation and just the struggle of people. I’m reading online that jobs just weren’t they were. I don’t what to think about,” said Tart. “But what I do know this, is that I look out at that line here it is hours ahead of our event and there’s a bunch of children waiting for gifts. There’s a need out there.”
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Meghan Roy came to volunteer with her son on behalf of Young Men’s Service League.
Durham Rescue Mission hosts its 2024 Christmas meal and toy giveaway. (Brea Hollingsworth/CBS 17)
Durham Rescue Mission hosts its 2024 Christmas meal and toy giveaway. (Brea Hollingsworth/CBS 17)
“I just think that it’s important for this community that everyone supports them throughout the holidays whether that’s in the form of food, gifts clothes—it’s important,” said Roy.
The Durham Rescue Mission recently said held a similar event for those in western North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. They also passed out food and toys.