WAKE FOREST, N.C. -- Sometimes it's better to give than receive for the holidays. That’s the message Living Word Church in Wake Forest promoted this holiday season.

As part of the church's outreach initiative called "Unscrooged Give Yourself Away” the congregation donated $35,000 to the Wake Forest Fire Department.

“We received two tithes on the first Sunday of December, one tithe was for the church like we usually do, and the other tithe was for the firefighters in Wake forest,” said Steve Caronna, pastor of Living Word Church.

There are more than 1,000 members of the church. During this holiday season many of them thought not just of themselves, but also of those who make a living saving the lives of others.

“The firefighters are our heroes. They will run into a burning building and rescue you or your children. We just want to do something to show how much we appreciated them and how much we appreciate what they do for us,” said Caronna.

From spare change to big bills, both young and old donated money. Within two days the church raised $35,000. The congregation was more than happy to make the contribution.

“I don't think you can repay someone risking their lives to save you," said Jamie Tobler.

“They give so much, so it’s just a small opportunity to say thank you in a very tangible way," said Jennifer Tobler.

“They are willing to give their lives up for somebody, and that effects them, it effects their family, it effects their friends and they are still willing to do it,” said Jen Chappell.

The church pastor said each firefighter received $500 as a Christmas bonus this year.

“Not just give it to the fire station to buy equipment, although they need that, but we wanted to do something to bless the families of the firefighters,” said Caronna.

Living Word church also spent $22,000 to renovate the Helen Rights Center for Homeless Women.