Good morning, Chicago.
Phillis Williams and her shih tzu–poodle mix Cammie zigzagged through tables of winter clothing and Thanksgiving meal fixings 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. They’re fundraising to renovate and expand their operations accordingly, he said.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Rebecca Johnson.
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