Volunteers Assemble 1,500 Thanksgiving Baskets For Needy Families
(CBS) -- Hundreds of people got into the Thanksgiving spirit Sunday morning on Chicago's Near West Side by putting together baskets of food for people in need.
WBBM's Nancy Harty reports the UIC gym on West Roosevelt was a massive assembly line of people helping out with the Thanksgiving basket brigade. Everyone from kids to adults pitched in.
Organizer Jason Erkes says in their seventh year, they are giving baskets to 1,500 families in Chicago, twice as many as last year.
"A turkey, and stuffing and salad and vegetables, there's taco shells for leftover turkey tacos tomorrow, there is a pie for desert, really everything you need for a complete Thanksgiving meal," Erkes said.
After the baskets are assembled, 250 drivers delivered them - some in their private cars - to needy families with a note that simply say it's from someone who cares.
Churches, social workers and community organizers provided the names of families who need the help.
For more information about donating to the Chicago Basket Brigade, visit Chicagobasketbrigade.org.