Chicago parishioners pack Christmas meals, gifts for 1,400 shelter residents

CHICAGO - Dozens of St. Sabina parishioners came together to make Christmas a little merrier for 1,400 shelter residents in and around the South Side on Wednesday.

There was music, meals, and merriment. Rather than sit home by the fire, volunteers young and old came to church to pack meals, toys and gift cards for single mothers living in shelters on the South Side, as well as police officers working on Christmas at the 6th District police station.

"We just wanna make sure people in shelters, they're already going through a difficult time," said Father Michael Pfleger. "We want them to understand we want them to have a good day too. So they're going to have a hot meal."

Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance Holtz gave up her Christmas mornings every year to come to St. Sabina to give back. She said her effort is in honor of her late son Blair Holt who was shot and killed on a CTA bus in 2007.

"Christmas was like his favorite time of year," Nance Holtz said. "He was so excited. He gave and volunteered like I did. It’s important to carry on that tradition of making other young people feel special at Christmas."

For Steve Archer who runs an urban farm initiative for Chicago's youth, it's in honor hos his parents, who he said taught him to appreciate what he had, and to spread it to those in need.

"Children need to have good things happen to them. People need to have good things happen to them. At some point, if we don’t do that, it’ll just be chaos," Archer said.

Father Pfleger said he doesn’t want Chicagoans who are enjoying Christmas dinner at home or with loved ones to forget about their neighbors who can’t.

"If you’re at home, you have gifts," he said. "You have a place to live. You have food in your refrigerator. Remember that there are thousands in this city whodo not have that, who are living under viaducts, living in tent city, or on the street or abandoned building. Plus, all the shelters are filled to capacity."

After stacking and loading the goods, it was time to ship them to one of 12 shelters across the South Side. It was a special delivery from St. Sabina Santa’s helpers.

"If you really wanna be grateful for what you have, get the Christmas spirit and help people that don’t have nobody," said Pfleger. "Nobody should be lacking in this season."

It was a true South Side effort with BJ’s Market, Just in Time and Nicole Jordan Catering providing the meals.