The Rescue Mission handed out Thanksgiving meals to those in need on Thursday, Nov. 28. This year, the organization broke its record and provided nearly 3,000 meals to people across Onondaga County. Hundreds of volunteers delivered meals to thousands and served nearly 300 guests in downtown Syracuse.

In a relatively short time, Joel Savala has transitioned from living in a tent in an encampment for homeless people to living under a solid roof — with plenty of room for extra gratitude. “I gave up on life,

Don Waite, a volunteer at Light of Life, said he thinks they'll be cooking around 550 pounds of green beans as part of preparing meals for the needy this Thanksgiving. Waite has been volunteering at the Light of Life Rescue Mission during this time of year for 28 years.