'Gobbles to Go' program serves those in need
The Raleigh Rescue Mission on Friday expected to deliver more than 700 dinners to those who lack the means to get out for a meal or can’t make their own this holiday.
About 80 volunteers work with the Gobbles to Go program – about 45 assemble and package approximately 730 single-serving turkey dinners, and another 35 volunteers deliver the still-hot meals to Meals on Wheels recipients and others who call the Gobbles to Go hotline in the week before Christmas.
Raleigh Rescue Mission has all the food it needs for the Gobbles to Go meals, thanks to the community.
Leslie Millett, public relations director of Raleigh Rescue Mission, said the program, which started in 2003, is possible thanks to the individuals, community groups and organizations that have donated food and resources.
Many volunteers, from young children to adults, on Friday said they are grateful and feel blessed this holiday season and wanted to do something to help those less fortunate.
“I don’t think people realize how many people are out there who don’t have a Christmas meal to sit down to or who don’t have a family to be with,” said Morgan Cartusciello. “For us to be their surrogate family – if nothing else, (if Christmas dinner) comes in a Styrofoam container full of food, at least they know it was packed with love.”
