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Pastor Corey Brooks To Distribute 3,500 Turkeys Sunday

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Woodlawn's "rooftop pastor" is distributing 3,500 turkeys and the trimmings Sunday to needy Chicagoans, one month after thieves broke into his church and stole $8,000 from the collection box.

Pastor Corey Brooks said the public response to the break-in has helped pay for the giveaway, which he said is the largest in the history of his New Beginnings Church, at 6620 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.

"Even though some things have happened bad for us, it's worked out for our good and we're grateful for that," he said.

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Corporate sponsors include Walgreen Co. and WalMart, and Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner will be among the volunteers aiding with the distribution, which begins at the church at 2 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to a turkey, each person will receive two cans of candied yams, two cans of corn, two cans of green beans, a can of cranberry sauce and a box of stuffing.

Those wishing to obtain a dinner can line up outside of the church or can go online to the church Website.

Brooks said the break-in has helped unify his congregation. No one has been arrested in connection with the break-in, which Brooks claimed at the time was politically-motivated because of his backing for Rauner and GOP Senate candidate Jim Oberweis.

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