The holidays are often a time spent with family and friends.

But some people are giving up that quality time to give back to the community.

"Somebody's always lower than you and you have to help and carry their burden with them," volunteer Elena Ceberio said.

"This is a special day, and some people are going through hard times," Cedric Palmore said. "I just feel like it's a responsibility of mine to do something positive."

Both Ceberio and Palmore showed up at Reds on Capital Boulevard, where owner Red Hughes put together a Christmas feast for anyone who showed up.

And downtown at the Raleigh Rescue Mission, volunteers donned aprons to fix a Christmas meal for those in need.

"I just do it for the gratification of knowing that I have helped somebody," volunteer Jack Joyner said.

"It's a lot of fun and it feels good to give back," volunteer Missy Currin said.