Hundreds of turkeys donated to needy families ahead of Thanksgiving – NBC Chicago

The Will Group, a manufacturing plant in North Lawndale, turned into a takeaway turkey gift on Saturday.

The company distributed 150 turkeys and bags of groceries, helping the many struggling families this holiday season. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot even stopped by to help distribute the bags.

“Well, thank God for being here and feeding the homeless, I just appreciate it,” resident Ophelia Fleming said.

Several turkey giveaways took place across the city on Saturday, with many more planned in the days leading up to Thanksgiving – with particularly high demand.

According to the American Farm Bureau, a turkey this year costs 20% more this year than last year.

“I don’t have to go to the store and pay $50 for a turkey, when I get it here for free,” Ammie Fenton said.

Fenton picked up a turkey at Saint Sabina’s Catholic Church in Chicago.

“It helps because the cost of food is very expensive,” she said.

Sainte Sabine volunteers spent several hours unloading a truck full of turkeys, aiming to distribute about 800 turkeys in all.

“It is a blessing to bless others, and we do it because we love the community,” said Reverend Thulani Magwaza, co-pastor of Saint Sabina.