While Christmas is a time of togetherness with loved ones, it can make those who are struggling feel lonelier than usual. With that in mind, the Rescue Mission of Utica gave out free meals for their community on Christmas Day.

“Traditional Christmas meal," said Rescue Mission of Utica Executive Director Wendy Goetz. "Turkey, ham, stuffing, pie and cookies.” 

A Christmas lunch helps bring a community together. 

“We really try to get a lot of people to come out for Christmas," said volunteer Cora Hauck. "We want to give them a nice meal but really we want to give them community and want to give them togetherness for Christmas.” 

“We want to make Christmas meaningful to people that may not have a connection," Goetz. "So I think coming out when they might not have family, they might not have others to spend the day with, then they can spend the day here.” 

Dozens of volunteers expecting to serve anywhere between 1,200 and 1,400 people in need. 

“We work with adults who have had really challenging lives," Hauck said. "They have mental illness and addiction and other issues going on. Sometimes we’re able to provide them with literally a small gift or a meal and they haven’t had anyone take care of them in a long long time.” 

Spending their Christmas away from family to impact others. 

“That’s why I work at the mission, to do something that makes a difference in an individuals life," Goetz said.