Chicago students serve Thanksgiving meals to 400 senior citizens

CHICAGO - It was a massive Thanksgiving meal with students taking charge.

In a heartwarming display of community service, over 100 high school students from the Chicago High School for Agriculture Sciences were foregoing typical Thanksgiving preparations to ensure that seniors in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood have a joyous holiday.

On a visit to the school, FOX 32 Chicago witnessed the students diligently at work, utilizing produce grown on their own campus to craft Thanksgiving meals. From turkeys and stuffing to yams and sweet potato pie, the students left no detail overlooked.

Jason, one of the chefs involved in the initiative, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

"It's nice to see the students in the school developing and learning stuff about sciences and agriculture, and then cooking. It’s been an unbelievable experience," he said.

The students, who were pumped since early morning, were prepared to serve 400 seniors on Tuesday. Jason emphasized their excitement.

"The students are more than ready. They've been ready since early this morning. So they're very pumped, very excited to get going," he said.

Notably, some of the vegetables used in the meals are grown right on the school grounds, showcasing the students' commitment to every aspect of the process. Even the turkeys were raised at the school.

Maritza Gonzalez was one of 200 young people that volunteered and the guests adored her.

"I enjoy just hanging out with them and having fun with them," she said about the seniors.

"Last year we came, and it was very good. The kids are wonderful," said Mount Greenwood resident Maria Junker.

The Alderman's office revealed that the school has been undertaking the heartwarming initiative for about 11 years.

"The thing that I like most about tonight are the kids interacting with the seniors," said Alderman Matt O’Shea.

Whether walking them to their table or serving coffee, lots of wisdom was received.