Rescue Mission meets toy goal for Christmas celebration

After the group said it was about 1,000 toys short on Tuesday, officials said toys began flooding in.

Ernie Mills, executive director of the mission, said there were traffic jams outside of the mission as more than 3,000 toys were donated Tuesday afternoon. The group also received about 5,000 pieces of clothing.

"There are a lot of good people in Durham," Mills said.

Over 3,332 people turned out Wednesday – more than half the total 1,600 people served a year ago. The mission aimed to give each child up to four toys.

In 2008, the mission gave away more than 7,000 toys, 10,000 pieces of clothing and 850 bags of groceries at its annual celebration. More than 7,000 toys, 8,000 pieces of clothing, 3,000 meals and 1,022 bags of groceries were given away Wednesday.

People can still donate toys to the Durham Rescue mission, 1201 E. Main St. Donors can also give to the Raleigh Rescue Mission, at 314 E. Hargett St. The group said they are desperate for food donations this year, as well.