St. Sabina’s “Operation Blessings” handed 2,000 hot chicken dinners
By Chinta Strausberg
Yes, it’s that time of year again and one that fills Father Michael Pfleger’s heart with joy because he gets to bless and giveaway 2,000, hot chicken dinners, a desert and a beverage.
He calls it “Operation Blessings,” and that is exactly what Tuesday, December 10th, was all about, and it was all made possible by Attorney Amy Witherite and her 1.800.Truck.Wreck Law Firm who paid for the 2,000 dinners.
“This is an honor to be here and to support Father Pfleger, and I’m looking forward to next year’s dinner giveaway,” she said.
Father Pfleger said about 13 years ago someone said they hadn’t had a hot meal in so long, and it got him to thinking how many other people shared that same experience.
Wearing a white T-shirt that said, “Rejoice in the birthday of a brown-skinned Middle Easter undocumented immigrant, Father Pfleger said, “Today, anybody who wants a hot meal in this cold weather gets a free hot meal and we let them know we care them.
“We want them to know that we love them, and we just want them to be blessed. This is a season for blessings,” said Father Pfleger.
That is when he came up with the idea to host a “Operation Blessings” free chicken giveaway at BJ’s & Market, 79th and Racine, owned by his friends, John and Hank Meyer. “This is the season to give blessings,” he said.
And word got out fast because a steady stream of people filtered in and out of BJ’s Market & Bakery, at 79th and Racine, and they came on canes, walkers, young, older and little children.
When they entered BJ’s and Market, they were greeted by Father Pfleger and volunteers from Attorney Amy Witherite’s law firm. Volunteers ushered them to the next station staffed by her volunteers where they received their utensils, then directed to the hot chicken dinner.
There, volunteers, including Attorney Witherite, former Illinois Senator Jacquelyn Y. Collins, Chicago Fire Department Chief Annette Nance-Holt and others handed out the dinners then guided people to the desert and beverage stations.
Father Pfleger and the volunteers got a lot of “thank you’s,” and “God Bless you’s” from grateful people some of whom asked for two or more dinners for their families.
While passing out dinners, Pam Bosley, the founder of the Brave New Leaders and Purpose Over Pain, announced her own event being held on Saturday, December 14th, 2 p.m., at the New Bethlehem #4 M.B.C., 8850 S. Cottage Grove Avenue.
She will be passing out coats, hats, gloves and toys for children Pre-K to 8th grade. The youth must be with their parents.
