"It's Christmas you know and I just try to do the best I can to help everybody out. The Mission's helped me and I'm just trying to give back. Everybody deserves a good meal," said Michael Mitchell, rescue mission volunteer.
Michael Mitchell used to be on the other side of this counter. He graduated from the rescue mission program and now has a job.
"Now I'm getting back on my feet everything's going good, I'm working and on my days off I volunteer here," said Mitchell.
The rescue mission is one of the only places in the South Valley open on Christmas day to feed the homeless. The overnight men's facility opens its doors during the lunch hour to feed anyone who may come in and need something to eat.
Friday's meal-- hot turkey, gravy and a warm bun.
"It's very important to help people. Everybody deserves to have a Christmas of some type. These people are homeless and they need help," said Bob Koel, Visalia Rescue Mission.
"It actually makes me feel a lot better to have a group of people who actually care for the community," said Gerald Sedilio.
At the rescue mission, this Christmas is all about giving thanks. Many people are thankful for simple things-- family, friends and a hot meal.
"My kids. I have two young boys that live with my ex-wife right now and they're awesome I love my boys," said Loren Myers.
"I'm thankful that I'm actually able to start school again I'm thankful that He blesses every single day with me so I'm able to wake up and make progress," said Sedilio.
And that's enough to make this day a good Christmas.
