Free Thanksgiving Meals for Chicago’s Neediest Residents

Covid-19 Has Made Tough Times Tougher for the Poor

 

 Free Thanksgiving Meals for Chicago’s Neediest Residents

Covid-19 Has Made Tough Times Tougher for the Poor

 

As Covid-19 continues to spiral out of control across Chicago, the impact of the pandemic is having a dire effect on Chicago residents who are already grappling with surging crime, unemployment, poverty, physical and mental health trauma, homelessness and educational barriers. Even if they desire to gather safely for a Thanksgiving meal, a growing number of families cannot, because they simply do not have the financial means to do so.

This is why Ombudsman Chicago is partnering with several community organizations – From Back 2 Front Motor Sport Club, God’s House of All Nations, Bridging the Tys to Jordan, S.M.J. Security and office of 17th Ward Alderman David Moore - to provide free Thanksgiving Meals on Thanksgiving Day.

From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, hot meals will be distributed at Legends Chicken & Fish at 303 W. 79th Street. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, meals will be distributed at 7122 S. Vincennes Ave. The organizations will also hand out masks and hand sanitizers to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 by those who might defy orders and connect with family members or friends.

“This holiday season is unlike any other because of the Covid pandemic,” said Carlos Estes, Director of Government and Community Relations/ FACE Coordinator for Ombudsman. “Families are disconnected, and the pandemic is making it extremely difficult for them to come together for this festival occasion. This is placing a tremendous hardship on families because they need each other now more than ever, especially in Black and Brown communities, where the unemployment, the violence, the homelessness and other health and education disparities are increasing.”

Estes said the organizations, which have been partnering for several years with the holiday outreach, are handing out masks and hand sanitizers for those who cannot afford the extra levels of protection for their own health and safety.

“We have to do everything we can to help those in need and to sound the alarm in Black and Brown communities that the pandemic is a silent killer and very real, because it is now life and death,” Estes said. “All of us are just a breath away, a conversation away and a gathering away from getting the virus, because it is airborne. This is simply our way of showing the community that Ombudsman cares.”

 

WHO: Ombudsman Chicago, S.M.J. Security, Bridging the Tys to Jordan, From Front 2 Back Motor Sport Club and the office of 17th Ward Alderman David
Moore

WHAT: Media Availability During Thanksgiving Meals Distribution

WHEN: Thursday, November 26, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 2:00 PM to
4:00 PM
WHERE: Legends Chicken & Fish, 303 W. 79th St., Chicago and 7122 S. Vincennes
Ave.

WHY: Ombudsman Chicago cares about building safe and healthy communities during this unprecedented year of uncertainty driven by surging violence and unemployment, social unrest and Covid-19

Ombudsman Chicago provides an option for students ages 14-21 who have been unsuccessful or dropped out of high school to earn their diplomas. It has open enrollment and is currently offering remote education at all its campuses with device assistance for those who qualify, which are located 7500 N. Harlem Ave., 10928 S. Halsted St., 6057 S. Western Ave., and 2401 W. Congress Parkway. To enroll in an

Ombudsman school, you can visit one of our campuses, call (312) 806-9022, or visit us on the web at chicagodiploma.com, or Chicago.ombudsman.com.

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