Mason Helps Families in Need Have Happy Thanksgiving

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, partnered with local advocate Lon Hodge and Mission BBQ in Gurnee to pass out meals to homeless families living in Illinois Beach State Park in Zion on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Mason and Hodge passed out turkeys, cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving mainstays.

“It is so easy to overlook the holiday traditions that some families do not get to experience while they are struggling. Those struggling with homelessness already have enough to worry about and enough to sacrifice, and giving them an opportunity to maintain the normalcy of the Thanksgiving holiday is so important, especially as we reflect on what we have and what we give thanks for,” Mason said. “This is just a small gesture to ensure that, even during the most difficult times, all of our neighbors are able to celebrate this holiday with our community.”

Mason has been a champion for assisting families facing financial hardship in the community and at the Capitol. Mason sponsored House Bill 3331, which gives the Illinois Department of Human Services more flexibility in providing assistance to people who are at risk of becoming homeless. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Pritzker.