The aroma of roasted turkeys and fresh vegetables filled the air early Thursday morning as hundreds of volunteers gathered for the Durham Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Celebration. For over four decades, this cherished event has been a beacon of hope and unity for the Durham community, and this year was no exception.
Among the volunteers was Michael Kolle, who has been lending her time and energy to the mission for the past two years. “To help with vegetables, we make sure we have corn and green beans ready to go,” said Kolle, speaking with warmth about her experience. “What I like is giving back to the community and working with a lot of volunteers. This is the way to go, especially during these holidays.”
The Durham Rescue Mission was founded in 1974 by Dr. Ernie Mills and his wife, Gail, with a mission to serve the homeless and hungry in the Triangle area. Over the years, their Thanksgiving celebration has grown to become one of the largest charitable events in the region, bringing together volunteers and donors from all walks of life to serve those in need.
This year, the mission fed approximately 2,000 people during the holiday celebration, offering not just warm meals but also free groceries and clothing for attendees. In addition, volunteers delivered about 1,000 meals to individuals who were unable to attend in person. The outreach effort is a testament to the mission’s enduring commitment to ensuring no one in the community is left behind during the holiday season.
“In a country that seems so divided at times, to see people come together with one goal to help their neighbor is amazing,” said Ernie Mills Jr., Vice President of the Durham Rescue Mission. His words captured the spirit of the day—a day when differences were set aside in favor of compassion and unity.
The event’s success relies on the dedication of volunteers like Kolle and the generosity of local donors, who contribute food, clothing, and resources to make the celebration possible. The festive atmosphere, complete with music, decorations, and the joyful chatter of neighbors sharing a meal, serves as a reminder of the power of community.
Over the years, the Durham Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving tradition has become a symbol of resilience and hope for those facing difficult circumstances. It is not merely about serving food but about offering dignity, fellowship, and a sense of belonging to all who walk through its doors.
As the event concluded, the collective effort of hundreds of volunteers and the gratitude of thousands of attendees stood as a testament to the mission’s enduring impact. In the words of Kolle, “This is what the holidays are all about—coming together to give back and make a difference.”
The Durham Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving celebration continues to grow, reminding the community year after year that the spirit of giving knows no bounds.
