Free turkeys given to South Side families

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte joined the Black McDonald's Operators Association to hand out thousands of turkeys on Chicago's South Side.

This is all part of their 2,000 turkey giveaway over four days at different McDonald's around Chicago.

Chopper 7HD found long lines outside the McDonald's at West 83rd Street and South Ashland Avenue in the city's Gresham neighborhood.

People started lining up for the event very early Friday morning. Christina Prater told ABC 7 she got there at 2:15 a.m. Friday morning.

"Only 10 people when I came but now I see them all the way two blocks over," she said.

And she came with plenty of her own company.

"This is all my crew right here, we're all from the same block," Prater said.

Ronald McDonald warmed up the crowd as the lines wrapped around the block.

Finally, the truck arrived with 2,000 donated turkeys, after a little time to unload, the giveaway was underway.

Derrick Taylor is the president of the Black McDonald's Operators Association.

"We just want to be a part of their lives on Thanksgiving, and also 365 days a year giving back to the community," Taylor said.

White arrived at midnight. He thanked organizers for showing love toward the community.

"I've been here since midnight last night. We've been out here ever since then. But I'm enjoying myself because there's the holiday spirit and they're giving this stuff out for my family, to make sure we have something for Thanksgiving," White said.

And no need to plan the cooking for Thanksgiving. For Prater and her block there was only one way to go.

"Deep fried, deep fried turkey is the best," Praer said.

ABC 7 also asked the president of the Black McDonald's Operators Association about the logistics of pulling something like the turkey giveaway together. He said besides communicating with the different groups involved, it just takes love.