'Gobbles to Go' volunteers deliver Thanksgiving day meals

For many people, Thanksgiving is not just about giving thanks – it is about giving.

Dozens of 'Gobbles to Go' volunteers fanned out across Raleigh Thursday to deliver a holiday feast to those in need. The Raleigh Rescue Mission has been providing meals to the homebound since 2003.

"We just found that there were a lot of elderly that either weren't able to get out and get a meal or make their own meal. They weren't getting served," said Leslie Currin of the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

Mike Carroll and his sons – Murphy, 16, and Griffin, 14 – were among those that delivered food to residents of the Sir Walter Apartments.

“We figure we're pretty fortunate. We have a lot of blessings, so the least we can do is pass it on to other people," Mike Carroll said.

"Sometimes I cannot cook, and I'm expecting my brother to come, and I'm gonna share this meal with him,” meal recipient Dorothy Evans said.

If not for the deliveries, many of Sir Walter's residents would have gone without a Thanksgiving meal.

"I appreciate what you guys are doing because I wasn't planning on going anywhere, but right here,” meal recipient Omelia Perry said.

The Raleigh Rescue Mission distributed 700 meals this year, each with turkey, stuffing, sweet potato souffle, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls, and a slice of pecan or pumpkin pie.

"I think the best part is when the people say 'God bless you' or anything like that, because you really get to see how much they appreciate it,”  Murphy Carroll said.

The Raleigh Rescue Mission had 39 volunteer teams delivering the hot meals Thursday.