Christmas dinner, toys and more at 2025 Durham Rescue Mission holiday event

DURHAM, N.C. -- Durham Rescue Mission is doing all it can to make sure those who need a nice meal and even some toys for Christmas will not go without.

Their annual Christmas dinner event brings together numerous volunteers to help distribute food and toys.

Kids got to leave with bikes, games, electronics, and big smiles all thanks to generous donations.

Many of those volunteers arrived before the sun came up to prepare the turkey, ham, and sides that families got to enjoy.

Eyewitness News spoke with volunteers and organizers who say the need is greater this year and they're grateful they could help.

"It warms my heart knowing that people think of us as a place to come where if I need help, I can go there. They will help me. I also had volunteers out here in the rain, in the dark, opening cans of vegetables and working hard to help their neighbor. And just my heart's overflowing right now," said Ernie Mills Jr. With Durham Rescue Mission.

Families also got the chance to leave with groceries and clothes.