Because of the tough economy, the Durham Rescue Mission is expecting to feed record numbers of people this Thanksgiving.

And to make sure the food is ready on time; volunteers began cooking over 150 turkeys and the associated side dishes early Wednesday evening.

Volunteers from the New Horizon Church  in Durham formed an assembly line to clean and gut the birds.

“We’ll make sure no one is turned away, we’ll do the best we can,” said Rev. Robert Tart of the Durham Rescue Mission.

This year, volunteers are cooking for a lot more mouths both at the mission and throughout Durham via meals on wheels.

“We know it’s going to be an extra burden for us, but we believe we’ll see a record number served here and with meals on wheels,” said Rev. Tart.

Volunteers not only do the cooking, but will go into the food pantry to bag groceries that’ll be given away tomorrow.

“They’re getting hot meals, clothes and bags of food to take home,” said volunteer Chuck McLean. That’s a big bonus for a lot of these families that are struggling right now.”

And among those volunteering are some who understand the need on a deeply personal level.

“A lot of people in our church group have had situations where we’ve needed assistance before,” said volunteer Tony Dillard of New Horizon Church.  “To be able to help someone else out means a lot to us.”