Durham Rescue Mission's gift to community: Warmth, welcome
Friday marked the 45th annual Christmas Toy Giveaway and Community Dinner at the Durham Rescue Mission.
Posted — UpdatedCEO Rob Tart said he saw many young parents.
“It doesn’t matter the weather, poverty doesn’t take a break," he said.
"It's been a very difficult year," said Tart. "If you're trying to pay the rent, if you're paying rent, you're in trouble. Food prices are high. Everything is high. Christmas comes with relentless accuracy. It sneaks up on some of us occasionally. It's always on the calendar. We want to help those parents who may be struggling right now."
Tanasha Pride was among those feeling the pressure.
"My last check was $198," she said. "That is nothing. My rent is about to go up next year."
Pride was picking up presents for her children, Amaya, 13 and Capone, 11.
Smiles, squeals of excitement and signing echoed through the indoor space.
“I just want to thank them for putting this together," Pride said. "Thank you for taking care of your community."
Tart has seen the rescue mission's clients come full circle. “There was a young lady here who was volunteering, who came here as a child," he pointed out.
The rescue mission served food enough for 2,000 people during the day on Friday, then volunteers and staff turned their concern to those who had yet to find shelter from the cold.
Temperatures are set to drop into the teens over the weekend, making the potential for hypothermia and frostbite a big risk.
Rescue mission crews will search for the community's most vulnerable individuals and offer them a warm place to rest and hot food.
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