The Rescue Mission in Youngstown is continuing their annual tradition of giving away free meals on Christmas Day. This year they're expecting to serve at least 500 people.

“It's funny, it all comes together like within a half an hour. We've got the place decorated, we've got the food in place,” Michael Byers, the Rescue Missions Food Service Director said. 

After days of prep work - planning, buying ingredients, cooking and slicing - hot meals are ready to be scarfed down.

This year, hundreds of people in need will get something to eat thanks to monetary and food donations from community members. 

One of the volunteers that makes it all happen behind the scenes is Debbie Yurchison. For two years in a row she's taken time on Christmas Day to give back, something she says makes the holidays complete. 

“It's more than just the presents and all,” Yurchison said. “It's just being with people and sharing a meal and time together.”

For some, the hot meal is what they need on the cold holiday but for others it's the time spent at the table with people that fills them with joy. 

“We've got a combination of homeless, we've got families that are struggling, we've got people who just don't have anywhere else to go for the holidays,” Byers said. 

“Some don't have a place to live or stay or have family that they can be with and this brings a sense of community together,” Yurchison said. 

“Always be grateful and show gratitude,” Joe Nobi, a donator for the rescue mission said. 

And for those behind the counter, seeing the smiles on faces as the heaping scoop hits the tray is a personal reward that they wait all year for. 

“When you see people enjoying food and having the fellowship it's truly a blessing to see that,” Byers said.