Chicago celebrates Thanksgiving with free meals distributed across the city

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago is celebrating the literal meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday by expressing thanks and by giving.

For a second year, La Rabida Children’s Hospital is marking Thanksgiving Day with their special drive-up feast for their patients and their families. They will distribute more than 250 meals.

A chef from American Culinary Federation prepared the meals, which include a turkey dinner with all the fixings and Eli’s cheesecake for dessert.

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Because of the pandemic, families are scheduled for a contactless pick-up. Members from ABC7 Eyewitness News family partnered with the hospital and were there to help with the handoff.

Earlier, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition distributed 400 meals to those in need. Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was on hand for the giveaway, which was done with the help of the Links Organization and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

“We’ve found that all of the food pantries are overwhelmed with need,” said Rev. Janette Wilson, Rainbow PUSH Coalition. “And we’re also supporting the West Side Justice Center. They’re having the same issue. They live alone, have no family members and can’t even afford to buy food.”

Representatives from veterans groups, the West Side Justice Center and Roses of Roseland, among others, picked up their allotted Thanksgiving full-course meals, which were provided by Gibson’s restaurant.

Organizers of the effort said the dinners will go to veterans, the homeless, churches with food pantries and others who are food insecure.