Group Distributes 1,400 Turkeys At Three Chicago Public Schools
(CBS) -- A Chicago area turkey drive for families in need passed out 1,400 turkeys Wednesday. WBBM's Mariam Sobh reports it started on the city's South Side in 2001.
Dr. Jihad Shoshara is the lead organizer of the annual event. He works with Sabeel Food Pantry to distribute the turkeys to three area Chicago public schools.
"They give it to the families of their students and if there is extras depending on what their needs are, they give it to their neighbors, the local community," he said.
Shoshara says it's also an initiative to get families involved in their schools.
If they attend a parent teacher conference, they get a special voucher to pick up their turkey. If they don't attend a conference, they'll have to wait in line.
The CPS where the turkeys are distributed are Emmett Till Academy and Fisk Elementary in Jackson Park and Fairfield Academy in Marquette Park.
For more information, visit www.sabeelpantry.org/turkeydrive.