Hundreds of people in shelters around the city enjoyed a hearty meal and Christmas company- including a visit from Santa Claus at the Apostolic Faith Church on Chicago's South Side.
Many left with a donated coat and toys. This year, the 4,000-person congregation collected more than 400 coats and 2,000 toys.
The event has been a tradition for more than two decades.
"I appreciate everything they're doing. Thank you for looking out for me and my kids and all the other kids that's here in the building. You never know what a person's going through," said India Warren.
"We're taking from our bounty and sharing Christmas joy with all those who come through our doors," said Jermaine Anderson, Apostolic Faith Church.
St. Sabina Church also took part in the season of giving,
"We have a safe place to be. We're warm. We're not living on the street. And we're just very thankful for that. We're thankful for the way God's taken care of us," said Greg Stevens.
Others spread holiday cheer at their homes- with some people still buying gifts on Christmas day.
"When I do my Christmas shopping, it's always last minute anyway. So this is pretty par for the course for me," said Mike Hurley.
