Church in Durham provides Thanksgiving experience aimed at restoring dignity: 'Felt the love'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thanksgiving has come a few days early for some people in need across the Bull City as Grace Church of Durham offered up a five-star experience.

Organizers said it is about much more than a hot meal. It is about making sure those who come leave encouraged.

"I've never ever experienced anything like this where people are catering to you. I felt like I should have a checkbook or something like that," said Adoniyah Knockee, who identifies as homeless. "It made me feel like I matter. It made me feel like a sense of belonging."

He was among dozens of people, such as Kim Dorsey, who otherwise wouldn't have had this opportunity to receive food and fellowship this Thanksgiving.

"I'm not here with my family today, but when I walked up in here today, I felt the love," said Kim Dorsey.

For more than a decade, Grace Church of Durham in partnership with Coastal Credit Union, has hosted this dining experience. Volunteers took orders and served people who were homeless, displaced or senior citizens. It is an effort that Pastor Kedrick Lowery and his wife Siti hope restores dignity.

"Just because a person may not live like we live or another individual does not mean they were created different from us. They are individuals who are part of society. They are dignified in our eyes," he said.

Mobile medical and dental ministries were on-site, providing free services. This was all made possible by many community partners who volunteered their time and resources. People such as Duke family physician Dr. Kenyon Railey stepped up.

"It's just important to use the skills that I've been blessed with to hopefully help and make a difference in a community I live and work in," said Duke School of Medicine Dr. Kenyon Railey.

Beauticians were also on hand for haircuts and styles. This effort was aimed at uplifting those in need while reminding them that they are part of this community too.

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"That's the love of Jesus Christ," said Dorsey.