Durham Rescue Mission's Christmas meal, giveaway 'makes the holiday season better'

Carla Brown sifted through racks of free clothes, her cart heavy with sweaters.

“I just enjoy the day,” she said. “It’s really overwhelming.”

Brown said money is tight and the clothing she found Saturday will keep her warm.

“It is very important because I’m on a fixed income, like a lot of seniors, and it just makes my day, makes the holiday season better,” she said.

Before Brown left, she got a warm meal and watched young children play games and smile as they were given new toys.

“I look forward to this. I come out and join the crowd,” she said.

Al Lorie was also among the clothing rack. He wasn’t looking for himself, but looking out for others.

“That same feeling of giving back to the community that really needs it,” Lorie said.

Lorie was one of more than 500 volunteers that make the Durham Rescue Mission’s annual Christmas dinner and giveaway possible.

“We are just looking to pay it back. We are very fortunate to be in the position that we are in, and we just like to give something back to those folks who are less fortunate than we are,” he said.

Elsewhere in the Triangle, the Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh is putting out a call for more toys for children. The nonprofit will be holding its annual holiday giveaway Monday afternoon. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at 623 Rock Quarry Road.