Under a grueling sun, Gospel Mission staff and clients fanned out in two low-income neighborhoods July 21 to give away more than 100 turkeys and bags of groceries as part of its on-going “Random Acts of Kindness” event.

Anyone who answered the knock on their door received a free turkey and a bag full of groceries. Some refused, saying they didn’t need the help.

Others rushed the Mission trucks, grateful for the assistance in these tough times.

“Thank you! Thank you!” one man said as he walked away, arms full.

Mission men’s services coordinator Todd Smith, pictured unloading turkeys, said the day begins by helping others. It ends by feeling blessed.

“You can’t help but be touched when you see their smiles and hear their gratitude,” Smith said. “It’s very humbling, but also inspiring because we’re in a position to help them.”