YOUNGSTOWN - The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley is opening their doors to the public to celebrate Easter Sunday with an Easter dinner. Complimentary parking will be available near the public meal entrance.

The dinner will be available from 1 to 5 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. The menu consists of ham, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, bread rolls, and an assortment of desserts.

The food service director, Mike Byers anticipates serving close to 500 people this year, which is a stark reflection of the growing need in the community.

"Our number of meals have increased over the last several months and we are going through a lot more food than we were [before]," Byers said. 

Despite an increase of people in need, Byers said the mission has been able to meet the growing demand for food assistance thanks to donors and the influx of donations. 

This year the number of volunteers has nearly doubled with 14 dedicated individuals lending their time to help those in need.