The even was intended to help families in need celebrate the holidays by giving away 200 free turkeys to attendees.
The even was intended to help families in need celebrate the holidays by giving away 200 free turkeys to attendees.
Rogers Park held its second annual Turkey Giveaway Nov. 14 on behalf of Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and 13th district office.
Partnered with Cook County Health, the district commissioner organized the event to accommodate families in need and to celebrate the holidays. They gave away 200 turkeys by the time the event ended.
The giveaway was held near the Red Line Morse stop, in front of State Representative Kelly Cassidy’s district office. At 6 p.m., volunteers worked alongside Ald. Maria Hadden (49th), Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th), Cassidy and State Rep.Kevin Olickal and State Sen. Ram Villivalam to distribute the turkeys.
Along with a table full of bags containing food, Cook County Health hosted a table offering information on health care plans and avenues for gaining access to health resources.
Besides giving away turkeys, Morita said she hoped to foster a sense of community and to nurture the relationship between the district office and its constituents.
“It’s also just an opportunity to build community and build relationships so that we can have that open conversation when other issues come up for families,” Morita said. “That way they know that we’re a resource for them.”
Waiting in line, strangers from the same neighborhood began to discuss their lives and Thanksgiving plans.
Gen Antunez, a biology major at Northeastern Illinois University, said she attended the event for the community and to enjoy Thanksgiving as a “broke” college student. Being far from home, Antunez said she found comfort in celebrating a holiday tradition usually spent with her family.
Merida Ceja, a mother of four, picked up two turkeys. She said one was for her sister’s family, who’ve been struggling financially.
“This way they don’t have to work too hard for a nicer dinner,” Ceja said.
Both Antunez and Ceja said they felt an event like this, so close to the holidays, was necessary.
“It’s something that we all celebrate and are able to share together,” Antunez said.
Even though the line grew shorter over time, those waiting continued to converse.
Morita said she aims to achieve inclusion and diversity through community events like the Turkey Giveaway — full of people who encounter different societal issues based on dramatic cultural differences.
Given her experiences as an Asian American woman, Morita said she feels a personal motivation to strive for a diverse office.
In the end, Morita said she wanted people to know they can come to the local government for much more than just turkeys.
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