Annual Woodlawn food giveaway supports families in need during holiday season

CHICAGO – Vehicles lined up for blocks along South King Drive in Woodlawn Saturday morning for an annual food giveaway tradition.

As people opened their trunks or walked up to volunteers, they were greeted with a smile and receive a turkey, along with a variety of food.

“We’re doing everything we can to help lighten the load, the burden. A lot of people are feeling economically during this holiday season,” said Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church and founder of Project H.O.O.D.

The large outreach operation was organized by New Beginnings Church and Project H.O.O.D., a nonprofit founded by Brooks to help people build better lives in part through education and mentorship. Construction on a building for Project H.O.O.D. is underway in the 6600 block of South King Drive across the street from New Beginnings.

“We’re building a center across the street, 90,000 square-foot center, the Robert L. McCormick Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center and Project H.O.O.D. is about helping people build the American Dream,” Brooks said.

Residents in the area are grateful for the many ways New Beginnings Church and Project H.O.O.D. are helping bring resources to the community. Saturday’s giveaway included about one million pounds of food.

“It helps out in a tremendous way because, you know, they give away a lot of valuable things that we need,” neighborhood resident Keyana Ryan said.

Over 260 volunteers recognize that need and came out to make a difference by loading groceries into cars.

“The need is great. We got here at probably about 8:15. It didn’t officially start until 10 and there was already a ling along the block,” volunteer Jen Schretter said.

About 2,500 turkeys were handed out by the end of the giveaway.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to come out to receive food, because the holiday is coming up. It’s Thanksgiving so we all deserve to have and a blessing for our family,” neighborhood resident Latosha Wilson said.

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