Volunteers rise early to feed needy

Durham, N.C. — More than 1,000 people ate Thanksgiving dinner Thursday at the Durham Rescue Mission.

Four hundred volunteers arrived before dawn to prepare 150 turkeys and all the trimmings – pounds of stuffing, gallons of gravy and thousands of green beans.

The meal began at noon at 1201 E. Main St.

CEO Ernie Mills said the mission got more than 250 donated turkeys. Any they don't serve on Thursday will be saved for the Christmas feast, he said.

Guests were also given clothes, including winter coats, and bags of groceries to take home. They also enjoyed games and activities throughout the afternoon.

For the needy who couldn't make it to the celebration, drivers were delivering Meals on Wheels.