What made the event extra special was the cooks in the kitchen knew exactly what the families they served are going through this holiday season.

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.

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.