Rescue Missions across Central New York are expecting a big turnout this Christmas.

In Syracuse, the Rescue Mission plans to serve close to 2,000 meals between delivery requests and its annual Christmas Day dinner at the Gifford Street location. The deadline for meal delivery requests is 4:30 p.m. on Friday. You can make a delivery request by calling the Rescue Mission Holiday Center at (315) 701-3898.

On Christmas, the first of 180 volunteers will pick up their meal deliveries around 9 a.m. At 11 a.m., another group of volunteers will serve dinner to more than 300 people expected to attend the dinner at the Rescue Mission's dining hall. Volunteers will serve approximately 300 pounds of turkey, 150 pounds of ham, 250 pounds each of stuffing and mashed potatoes, 30 gallons of gravy, 100 pounds of cranberry sauce, 125 pounds of mixed vegetables, 1,500 rolls and 250 fruit and pumpkin pies.

The Rescue Mission still needs financial gifts to serve the growing number of families needing a holiday meal. Donations can be sent to the Rescue Mission at 155 Gifford Street Syracuse, New York 13202 or by calling (315) 472-6251.

Meanwhile, the Rescue Mission of Utica is preparing to serve Christmas dinner to at least 1,300 people on Sunday. That's a 20 percent increase in need. Anyone coming to the dinner will also receive socks and mittens. There will also be gifts for children.

"We are once again deeply grateful for the outpouring of support for people in need," said Rev. Bill Dodge, executive director. "We are so thankful to live in a community with such a big heart."

On Christmas Day, the celebration begins at 11 a.m. in the Mission Chapel in Utica with Christmas carols and an inspirational message by Mission Chaplain Rick Johnson. Volunteers will then serve ham and turkey dinners, with all the trimmings, in the Mission's dining facility.

"Our goal," he said, "is to provide a festive family atmosphere for the homeless, for struggling individuals and families, and for anyone who might be alone on Christmas."

You can also request a hot meal to be delivered until noon on Friday. Call the Utica Rescue Mission at (315) 735-1645 Ext. 100.