YOUNGSTOWN - The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley serves free Thanksgiving meals to Youngstown-area residents Thursday, Nov. 27. The Rescue Mission is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and food to people in need.

Youngstown resident Andre Gomes says the kitchen and others like it are a safety valve for society.

"There's some people that, had it not been for this meal today, they would ot have eaten," he said.

The kitchen served turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other Thanksgiving staples. Kern Mercer, who works in the kitchen, says he had always wanted to hand out meals on Thanksgiving.

"It's better to give than to receive, and I think that describes the way I feel," he said.

Rescue Mission's kitchen is open 365 days per year and can serve three hot meals to those in need. It also has overnight and transitional housing for men, women, and children.