Local

Volunteers serve meals to others for Thanksgiving

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of people who wouldn't otherwise have a hot meal Thursday were fed in Uptown Charlotte. The Charlotte Rescue Mission opened its doors at 6 this morning and fed people into the afternoon.

"I was contemplating yesterday just how well I was going to be able to get through this day," said David Robinson, who was eating at the Mission.

Robinson says he is away from his family this year, working to get his life back on track. He is thankful to be sober and for kindness from strangers.

Thursday morning the Dilworth Neighborhood Grill and volunteers served hundreds of breakfasts. Those eating also had the chance to make free phone calls home.

And once breakfast was over, another set of volunteers came in for round two, to prepare hundreds of meals for dinner.

"I watch smiles come across people’s faces," said Rev. Tony Marciano, executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Marciano says some of the people served at the mission are battling addiction and homelessness. This year as they turn their lives around he says the economy is still tough.

"They graduate sober looking to do something with their life and can't find employment and I see the frustration in their faces," he said.

But Thursday, there were smiles.

"There are a lot of good people out there because I see them do stuff like that and it touches me. I see it in their eyes, it makes you smile and feel real welcome," said Jeffery, a man eating at the Rescue Mission.

Those being served and those giving of their time say this holiday is memorable in its own way.

"It makes me feel good because I'm just thankful for what I have," said Makenzie Moyes, a volunteer.

"Just putting food on the table and working every day, I think that's what America is thankful for, just to keep going," said Stuart Moyes, another volunteer.

The dinner was open to anyone, not just those stay at the mission. We are told that more than 100 turkeys were cooked and organizers expected to make more than 1200 meals