Want to donate?

Bring the toys to the Durham Rescue Mission's church building at 1201 E. Main St. Toys can be brought from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

For information, call the mission at 688-9641.

By Neil Offen

noffen@heraldsun.com; 419-6646

DURHAM -- There's still a thousand to go -- and not much time left.

The Durham Rescue Mission, collecting toys for at-risk children in the community, is still 1,000 short of its goal of 7,000 toys.

"That's what we gave out last year, and this year, what with the economy the way it is, we figure the demand will be even greater," said Gail Mills, the co-founder of the mission. "We got some toys in on Sunday, but we're still quite a bit short. We still haven't reached our goal."

The mission will give the toys out on Wednesday, as part of its traditional Christmas party for the needy at its East Main Street location. Around 3,000 guests are expected and the party will offer hot turkey meals and carnival games-- and, for the kids, at least two toys each.

But to be able to do that, the mission has put out an urgent call for more toys.

"We figure if we can get the word out, we know that people will respond," Mills said. "We understand that this is a tough time for everyone, and people who were able to donate last year, can't do it this time. But we are still hopeful."

The economy, she added, has definitely affected donations, which are down at this point from last year, "but we know that people are very generous."

The mission is also looking for donations of warm clothing. Those can be made at the mission's two distribution centers -- at the corner of Cornwallis Road and N.C. 55, and on U.S. 70 near Brian Creek, beside Frankie's Fun Park.

The meals and carnival will start at noon Wednesday. Anyone who wants to attend the party can come.