With the economy in full recession, thousands of poor and hurting men, women and children flocked to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission during the holiday season seeking help with food, clothing, shelter and other necessities.

The Mission served more than 25,000 meals between Thanksgiving and Christmas alone, while helping hundreds more with food assistance from its community pantry.

“We’re definitely seeing a spike in people seeking help,” said Rick Redding, executive director. “On one hand it breaks your heart to see so many hurting people and families. But on the other hand, we feel grateful that we’re in a position to help them. If we have something they need, we give it to them.”

With the help of 30 volunteers and the entire Reno Bighorns NBA basketball team, the Mission served more than 1,000 meals and gave away about 600 winter jackets and hundreds of knitted hats and scarves during its traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

“This is so wonderful,” said one young woman, holding her infant daughter as she ate her turkey dinner. “This makes me feel normal again, even if it’s just for a little while.”

The Mission also teamed up with LifeChurch of Reno to pass out about 100 frozen turkeys and side dishes to low-income families during the annual “Random Acts of Kindness” event.

Mission staff and volunteers are now gearing up to serve similar numbers during the Christmas dinner, which also features wrapped presents for children.

But while the holiday season is now a memory, Redding said the need continues on.

“Unfortunately, the need is there every single day,” he said. “Our work never stops.”