Rep. Hernandez to Deliver Meals to Families on Thanksgiving

CICERO, Ill. — State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez will be hosting her eighth annual “Thanksgiving Feast” on Thursday.

Hernandez conceived the event as a way to foster relationship-building and unite a community for the common good. The first six events were held at St. Agnes Church’s community center, long known as a beacon of faith and hope for generations of residents. Last year, the event switched to a delivery model due to the pandemic.

“This is a small way of bringing some joy to what can be for many a very difficult season,” said Hernandez. She worked with Chicago Public Schools and District 99 administrators in the 24th Legislative District to select families that may have had an exceptionally difficult year.

Hernandez often tells of a couple that had been chosen because they’d recently taken custody of their grandchildren whose parents had tragically passed away. Other recipients have been victims of fires or have lost loved ones to COVID.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring together volunteers, public officials and business leaders to form a community that shows it cares,” said Hernandez.

Thanksgiving meals are prepared by Nuevo Leon Restaurant and delivered by dozens of volunteers. The meals are made possible by generous contributions from organizations such as PepsiCo, the Rotary Club of Little Village, The Foundation of Little Village, La Baguette, and El Nopal Bakery.

Deliveries will begin Thanksgiving morning to allow volunteers to return to their loved ones by early afternoon.