Current News at the Mission

Christmas Event Experiences 17% Increase

"Poor Economy Creates More Need for Less Fortunate"

The Durham Rescue Mission hosted their Annual Community Christmas Dinner feeding 2,843 homeless, hungry, and needy men, women, and children of the Triangle. The number of attendees is a dramatic 17% increase from those in attendence at the Christmas Event in 2007. Many of the individuals expressed that they were present because of the poor economy and wanted to make sure their children had toys for Christmas.

This event is held outdoors at the Mission’s Men’s Campus located at 1201 East Main Street. The Mission’s current dining room will only accommodate 80 people so there is no other choice but to conduct this event outside.

Mission staff and volunteers experienced a bitter cold day. The early morning hours were freezing as volunteers finished up cooking the turkeys and hams for the meal. All were thankful for the opportunity to help the less-fortunate for the Christmas Season.

The Mission gave away over 7,000 toys to the children in attendence. Faces were glowing, and smiles were bright as the less-fortunate kids of the community experienced a special Christmas blessing.

The Mission’s Executive Director, Ernie Mills, said “I am filled with joy to see how our community has come together to provide this wonderful meal for those who are less fortunate. Over 500 volunteers have given of their time to be here today to ensure the neediest in our community are not forgotten on this special day. This event has brought together the “have’s” and the “have not’s” for a great meal and time of fellowship. It's such a blessing to see a child's face light up when recieving a toy for Christmas."

The Durham Rescue Mission provided:

Over 7,000 Toys for Children

Over 3,000 plates of Christmas Meals

Over 10,000 articles of clothing, including warm coats

850 Bags of Groceries

This event was made possible by the generous donations of all the numerous supporters and volunteers of the Durham Rescue Mission. We sincerely wish to thank everyone who helped make this another wonderful Christmas for the homeless and needy in the Triangle.

To help provide for the Homeless during the Holiday Season, please click here.

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