The owner of Just Like Mama's is facing her own struggles, but continues to gives back this Thanksgiving.
Veda Page is proud that her cooking lives up to the name of her restaurant., Just Like Mama's. She's made it her mission to feed anyone who needs a hot meal, whether they can pay or not.
Page stepped up during the government shutdown to help people who lost their SNAP benefits.
"I've been feeding the community, since November 1," Page said. "My word is my bond. So if I say I'm going to do it, I'm gonna do it."
This thanksgiving is no exception. Her Maywood restaurant is bustling with volunteers from organizations that have partnered with her to feed people from the community.
But Page is facing her own struggles. Her husband suffered a stroke, and with medical bills piling up, she's months behind on rent and is facing eviction.
"We would love to stay in the community, but we need community support," Page said.
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Now, the people she's fed for years are feeding her spirit, rallying around the woman who never turns anyone away.
Kenya Stewart is one of the many volunteers who helped prepare the meals given out on Saturday.
'She's always willing to give back," Stewart said. "She's always done that."
Page says a boost in customers could be the difference between saving the restaurant.
"I just have a big heart," Page said. "I just love heart, and I just want people to be happy."
For more information on how to help Just Like Mama's restaurant, click here.
A GoFundMe has been started here.
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