Durham Rescue Mission Gears Up to Feed 2,000 on Thanksgiving Day: A Community Effort
Durham, North Carolina – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Durham Rescue Mission is gearing up to provide a bountiful feast for those in need. This year, the demand is greater than ever, prompting volunteers to rally together and cook up a storm for over 2,000 people in the community.
The ongoing economic challenges have taken a toll on many families, with even those who have steady jobs and 401(k) savings finding themselves struggling to make ends meet. Ernie Mills Jr. from the Durham Rescue Mission acknowledges this reality, saying, There are people with jobs who have 401(k)s. They are suffering. They are having to withdraw out of their 401k’s to pay rent and mortgage. So what about the people that don’t have jobs and 401(k)s? We’re planning for more than 2,000 people. That is an increase over last year.
To ensure no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving, the Durham Rescue Mission is leaving no stone unturned. The team has a daunting task ahead, with 140 turkeys sizzling on the grill, 2,000 chili dogs ready to be served, and 1,600 cans of vegetables among the sumptuous spread. The volunteers have been working tirelessly, even taking the necessary steps to thaw out the turkeys ahead of time.
But the generosity doesn’t stop there. When those in need finish their meal, they will be presented with a bag of hope – a grocery bag filled with non-perishable items that can sustain them for a few more days. Unike Bankhead, another member of the Durham Rescue Mission, explains, It really does take a village. You know how they say it takes a village to raise kids. It takes a village within all of us to help each other out. When you think of a homeless shelter, you think of a sad and maybe depressed place, but I’ve never seen so many people smile.
The spirit of community and support will be evident throughout the event, as volunteers put in extra hours to ensure this Thanksgiving meal is a success. The doors will open at 10am on Thanksgiving Day, and the feast will commence.
The Durham Rescue Mission’s initiative not only provides nourishment to those in need, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of collective goodwill. This monumental effort, spearheaded by dedicated volunteers, epitomizes the spirit of Thanksgiving – a time for gratitude, togetherness, and giving back.
As the Durham Rescue Mission prepares to feed 2,000 people this Thanksgiving, they remind us that in the face of adversity, it truly takes a village to create positive change.
