MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON & ACTOR/COMEDIAN MIKE EPPS JOIN CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS PRE-THANKSGIVING GIVE-AWAY AT KENNEDY KING COLLEGE


MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON & ACTOR/COMEDIAN MIKE EPPS JOIN CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS 

PRE-THANKSGIVING GIVE-AWAY AT  

KENNEDY KING COLLEGE

Christmas in the Wards Provided more than $15,000 in Food Assistance in the month of November Ahead of Thanksgiving as needs rise across Chicago.


Chicago, IL — Christmas in the Wards (CITW) is continuing its long-standing mission of uplifting communities across Chicago by stepping in where help is needed most. On November 1st, 19th, and 21st, the organization will have distributed more than $15,000 in emergency food assistance to Chicago-area families facing rising hardship.

The giving continues Friday, November 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kennedy-King College Gymnasium (6301 S. Halsted St.), where CITW will host its Pre-Thanksgiving Give-Away, joined by Mayor Brandon Johnson and actor/comedian Mike Epps, who will be onsite to lend a hand and support Chicago families.

Friday’s event is sponsored by S2Grills, In His Hands Resource Center, CRAVE, MSA Strategies, Really Leaf, Black Men United (BMU), Illinois Hemp Business Association (IHBA), City Colleges of Chicago, and presented by Christmas in the Wards.

CITW will distribute Turkeys, winter coats and warm clothing, 500 hot meals courtesy of S2Grills. Additionally, local organizations, city partners, and social service providers will be onsite offering resources, information, and direct assistance to families in need.

“Supporting Christmas in the Wards is more than a tradition for me—it’s a commitment to our community,” said Suheir Barakat, Owner of S2Grills. “Their work uplifts families with dignity, compassion, and consistency, and I’m honored to play a small part in that mission. This weekend, between the events at Kennedy-King College and the JLM Abundant Life Center, S2Grills will serve 1,000 hot meals. Providing nourishment is one way we show love, but it’s the hope and togetherness Christmas in the Wards inspires that truly makes a difference.”

This week’s events follow CITW’s emergency food giveaways earlier this month in Englewood and the West side hosted in response to growing concerns surrounding the potential abrupt halt of SNAP benefits and the continued uncertainty of the program.

As temporary pandemic-era provisions expire and eligibility requirements tighten, millions of Americans may see reduced monthly benefits or lose support entirely. These challenges intersect with global and domestic pressures—economic instability, rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and climate-driven droughts, floods, and storms—placing increased strain on already vulnerable households.

Mayor Johnson has been a constant supporter of CITW and Mike Epps is no stranger to philanthropy. His recent initiatives include establishing the Belcalis Academy of Hope in his hometown of Indianapolis, a project that will provide housing and educational resources. He also remains a committed supporter of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, championing efforts that uplift Black culture, history, and community progress.

Founded in 1997 by Larry Huggins, Christmas in the Wards began as “Christmas in Englewood” before expanding citywide and evolving into a year-round force for good. Over the past year alone, CITW has:
• Distributed toys, laptops, and essential items to more than 1,000 families at the 2024 Christmas event.
• Hosted a Spring Giveaway providing clothing and supplies ahead of Easter.
• Organized Back-to-School distributions offering food, clothing, and everyday necessities.
• Partnered with community leaders to deliver crisis-response support wherever needed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CITW provided thousands of food boxes, PPE kits, small appliances, and critical household items — support the organization continues as economic hardships persist and community needs grow.

About Christmas in the Wards

For 29 years, Christmas in the Wards has been a trusted community-uplift initiative providing hope, dignity, and joy to underserved families across Chicago. Through partnerships with elected officials, community leaders, and generous local donors, CITW meets families where they are—especially during moments of crisis. The organization remains committed to serving Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods with compassion, dignity, and a spirit of giving.

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