Durham Rescue Mission hosting annual Christmas dinner, toy giveaway

The Durham Rescue Mission is hosting its 48th annual Christmas Community Dinner and Toy Giveaway on Tuesday.

The organization is expecting between 500 and 600 people to volunteer to help serve thousands in need across the Triangle. Volunteers were seen getting ready on Tuesday morning.

Durham Rescue Mission CEO Rob Tart said demand for the event has gone up in recent years due to economic hardships.

"We're feeling the need, there's no doubt about it," Tart said. "The cost of living, per se, is still an issue. The sheer demand for the rescue mission services is way up and has been trending up for several years now."

The event will include a free traditional Christmas dinner and clothing and grocery distribution.

There will also be grand prize giveaways and carnival games for kids and families.

The event will be at the Durham Rescue Mission on East Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.