Phillis Williams and her shih tzu–poodle mix Cammie zigzagged through tables of winter clothing and Thanksgiving meal fixings Wednesday morning at St. Moses the Black Parish. She filled her bags with sweaters, as well as chicken and sweet potatoes — food she said she’d use for a holiday dinner.
Williams, 51, recently moved from her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, to Chicago for better medical care for lupus and heart problems, and said she’s getting back on her feet and finding housing. The pantry has helped her meet other people in the community, she said, and “not be stressed” about food. Her puppy also loves interacting with new friendly faces, she added.
“I’m very thankful that I was able to come out and get food and get a little clothing. They’re so friendly and nice,” she said. “It feels like I’m doing something positive.”
Williams was one of about 1,000 families who received winter coats and Thanksgiving food, including turkey, Tuesday and Wednesday at the parish’s food pantry, located in the Grand Crossing neighborhood. A few Archdiocese of Chicago parishes — along with other faith communities — are hosting Thanksgiving events this week to help feed those in need in Cook and Lake counties.
Last week, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago’s held its second turkey drive, called “Feasting with Dignity,” and distributed thousands of turkeys to people from different backgrounds in an effort to help the community while making interfaith and intercultural connections.
The Rev. Matt O’Donnell said he expected Wednesday’s distribution to be the pantry’s largest ever. In the past year and a half, he said the pantry has doubled the number of households it serves on a weekly basis to around 700. They’re fundraising to renovate and expand their operations accordingly, he said.
Other pantries across the Chicago area have also reported an “extraordinary demand” for food assistance because of inflation, rising cost of living and a reduction in food benefits after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a noticeable jump during the holiday season.
“As people are struggling in the economy, they just need a little extra help,” O’Donnell said. “That’s what we’ve heard from a lot of people, is that this is just helpful to kind of get them the stuff they need for Thanksgiving to be able to celebrate with their families.”
More than 100 volunteers, including Katie Mulcahy, helped run the distribution. Mulcahy, who spent Wednesday greeting guests and directing them to clothing they may like, said she’s volunteered at the parish for six years with her family. Volunteering around Thanksgiving has become a “family tradition,” she said.
“I think it really helps ground myself and my kids in gratitude, being really grateful for what we have and being aware that there are people who do not have their basic needs met,” said the 49-year-old La Grange Park resident.
The parish is also hosting a community meal on Thanksgiving from noon to 3 p.m. for about 250 neighbors who may not have somewhere else to go for the holiday. O’Donnell said a lot of people struggle with loneliness and a meal helps build a sense of community and gives people a place to belong.
“It makes me grateful for the blessings,” O’Donnell said of the holiday events. “It also makes me grateful for our parish community, the generosity of so many people who want to do this, and it’s fun. I enjoy spending time with people doing this kind of work.”