Durham Rescue Mission prepares to feed thousands for annual Thanksgiving dinner

The Durham Rescue Mission is hosting its 49th annual community Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.

Teams of volunteers will be bagging groceries and prepping turkeys for the Triangle's homeless, needy and under privileged communities.

The Durham Rescue Mission is expecting thousands of residents to attend the event on Thanksgiving Day. There will be a traditional thanksgiving meal prepared and served for all guests in attendance as well as carnival games and activities with prizes for children.

There will be grand prize drawings for a 65" 4K smart TV, two Nintendo Switches, three Chromebooks and 20 bicycles. Every person at the event will also receive a $50 voucher card – while supplies last – to the Durham Rescue Mission's thrift stores.

"It’s Thanksgiving and we are excited about the big day," said CEO/President Rev. Rob Tart. "We believe many will be coming to the Mission that day because we can feel the need growing every day. We have a record attendance for families at the Rescue Mission now, and we know many other families are struggling with inflation and other issues, that have not come to the Mission. We want to help them with groceries, clothing, and other necessities. We invite the whole community to come."

The event begins at noon at 1201 E. Main Street in Durham.