Charlotte group serves 700 meals to those facing homelessness on Thanksgiving

CHARLOTTE — Every year, the Charlotte Rescue Mission opens its doors to serve a warm breakfast to people who might go hungry this holiday.

“This is my first Thanksgiving here at the mission,” said resident Jacob Smith.

A decades old tradition, plated with purpose.

“Cheese eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hashbrowns,” Chef Vern Phifer said, listing what foods would be served for breakfast.

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The Charlotte Rescue Mission opened its doors to the community again this holiday season. Serving up a homestyle breakfast and Thanksgiving lunch to those navigating homelessness and addiction.

“When I was 15, I started doing drugs and then by 17, I was full blown in meth addiction,” Smith said.

Inside these doors, days like Thanksgiving deliver the reminder that community and healing are always possible.

“They care about you here,” said Smith. “The staff is amazing. I have the best counselors in the state of North Carolina.”

This year the organization is going even bigger serving more than 700 meals across its two campuses, continuing their mission and serving the community.

Around 200 volunteers stepping up to make it happen, not for recognition, but for service.

“No one is here under anything except to say we want to give back to our community,” said Phifer. “We want to do something.”

“It’s ultimately about gratitude and finding things that we can be happy about and grateful for,” said Molly Pirik, a volunteer. “This day is about celebrating the things that make us happy.”

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