Durham Rescue Mission brings holiday cheer to hundreds
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Durham Rescue Mission is hoping to bring holiday cheer to hundreds of less fortunate people with their annual Christmas celebration on Wednesday.
The organization started preparations Tuesday afternoon, and volunteers plan to work through the night to help thaw and cook 175 turkeys and 50 spiral hams for the celebration. It's set to begin at 10:30 a.m.
The Durham Rescue Mission also plans to hand out 7,500 toys for children who might not be receiving any Christmas presents otherwise. They also have over 15,000 items of clothing to give away and 1,500 bags of free groceries.
Rob Tart, the Chief Operations Officer for the Durham Rescue Mission, said making sure everyone has a Merry Christmas is what the holiday season is all about.
"For a lot of people Christmas is a time where suicide rates actually go up because it's not a wonderful time for a lot of people," Tart said.
"We are making it a wonderful time. We want people to come here and have a wonderful time, a wonderful Christmas - something that they can talk about when they're older."
Tart said the celebration is ready to place Wednesday rain or shine.
