NORTH CAROLINA -- Several rescue missions around the state are emphasizing the true meaning Thanksgiving.

Durham

The Durham Rescue Mission is celebrating 44 years of its annual Thanksgiving Day Feast.

Every year the community comes together to make sure thousands of people in need have a hot meal and a day of fun with their families.

More than 500 volunteers helped to make the event possible.

Right after Thanksgiving the rescue mission will gear up for their Christmas celebration next month. They're calling on the community to donate toys for young kids in need. The "Christmas Community and Toy Giveaway" event will be held Saturday, December 22.

Raleigh

The Raleigh Rescue Mission is going above and beyond to make sure those who aren't able to leave their home can still enjoy a hot meal on Thanksgiving.

For their annual "Gobbles to Go" program, volunteers box up more than 1,000 meals for people in need and senior citizens who may be housebound.

Volunteers say they've made the event a family tradition so their kids can embrace the spirit of giving back.

"We've always told him growing up that the world is not just about you. Even in college he remembers that [he] was raised to help other people," said volunteer Rose Woods.

The Raleigh Rescue Mission will continue delivering meals throughout the holiday season.

Charlotte

The annual Charlotte Rescue Mission Thanksgiving celebration is feeding families who want a warm meal for the holiday.

More than 200 volunteers served meals to more than 500 people Thursday.

“Someone once said that homelessness is a lack of meaningful human relationship. So we try to get them out of isolation. And let them know that they have value and and worth. The food? It’s just an excuse to lavish love on them,” said Rev. Tony Marciano.

After a filling meal, guests enjoyed a movie and were able to make free phone calls to family members.