Shane Ferguson and Rhonda Westbrook started a Christmas tree business in Franklin County this year. They set up early for the rush of shoppers on Thanksgiving and the days after.

"This is my first time ever working on Thanksgiving. But I'm very excited and happy and very blessed to be able to do such a thing," said Westbrook.

"We've been very blessed to have been able to be here and being able to do this this holiday season," Ferguson added.

Even though they're not with family, they're sharing the holiday spirit with customers.

"It's just really uplifting. It's an uplifting kind of job to do," said Westbrook.

Firefighters are also on the job, making sure that others stay safe.

"We're away from our families. But we're trying to keep the community safe and we're ready for anything on such a special day," said Raleigh firefighter Clara Irurita.

As they wait for calls, firefighters cook up a Thanksgiving dinner.

"Even though you miss your family, not being with them sometimes on holidays... it does work out to where your second family, at the fire department, you're with them," said Raleigh firefighter Richard Siebel.