Pacific Garden Mission To Feed 3,000 People For Thanksgiving
CHICAGO (WBBM) - Over 3,000 people are expected to get a Thanksgiving meal over two days, thanks to the Pacific Garden Mission. Newsradio 780's Lisa Fielding Reports.
Dozens of volunteers gathered Wednesday night to serve the first round of guests.
Caterer Dan Vellas of Leeanetti's says they've cooked 1,000 pounds of turkey, 500 pounds of potatoes, 150 pounds of vegetables, 150 pounds of cranberry sauce, and 35 pans of dressing.
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"There's so many people hurting out there. We're just glad to help," said Robert Vellas of Leeanetti's, who, along with his son, has been feeding the homeless for 30 years.
Food For Friends spokesman Dan Herzog says they've been a part of the Pacific Garden Mission Thanksgiving for 16 years.
"This is an opportunity to work along side them and provide some hope. You get more back when you give than when you receive. It's wonderful. It's unbelievable," said Herzog.
Sherman Bolden says he's just thankful for the annual dinner.
"It means a whole lot to me," said Bolden. "I'm just glad there is somewhere to go. I had turkey."
"I ate everything. Everything they had," said Oral Wood. "Amen, thank you Jesus."
Thanksgiving dinner will be served for 2,100 people Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Food for Friends, Leeanetti's and Levy's provided the food for the two dinners.
