Chicago Jewish organization provides Christmas Eve meal for Christians in need
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An organization in the Uptown neighborhood is helping people in need celebrate Christmas—even though the volunteers are not celebrating the holiday themselves.
The event Tuesday was a meal for those in need at the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center, at 909 W. Wilson Ave., provided by the Jewish United Fund Café.
Kimberly Michaelson-Epstein has been volunteering at the café for more than four years. Once a month, she takes orders and serves a meal.
"This is the best thing that I do all month," Michaelson-Epstein said.
A tent city sprung up in the Rogers Park area during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting her to get involved.
"It's just really important to me to try and give back," Michaelson-Epstein said. "You know there are so many people who are suffering."
The café serves people who are struggling in many ways.
"The majority of people we see here are facing low income, issues with housing instability, food instability, and also just not a secure community," said social worker Rachel Singer.
And even though the free café is run by a Jewish organization, making Christmas special for Christians fits right in with its mission.
"Throughout history, Jews kind of have been exiled and not welcome in a lot of spaces, so we really hone in on making sure everyone here feels comfortable regardless of their religion," Singer said.
Volunteers like Michaelson-Epstein provide a sense of home.
"She's a warm person," said client Lamonte Darden. "She greets everyone, and it makes everyone feel happy."
At the café, clients do not stand in line like a typical soup kitchen. Volunteers serve them at their tables to create a more dignified setting.
"Stability, community, and dignity is also something that we emphasize," Singer said.
Servers and diners all reap the benefits.
"Now I've been doing it long enough where I know people, know their names," Michaelson-Epstein said. "We have stories and history amongst each other."
"It's like family," said Darden.
Besides feeding people through meals and a food pantry, the Uptown facility also provides health screenings, exercise classes, and help in receiving public benefits.
