Thanksgiving 2022: Project HOOD gives away 2K turkeys near New Beginnings Church

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It has been day of giving across Chicago.

More than 2,000 turkeys along with boxes of other essential foods were handed out on the South Side near New Beginnings Church. It's one of several giveaways helping those in need today.

"We purchase a lot of food today and want to bless a lot of families today," said Desmond Marshall with Project HOOD.

Hundreds of cars lined up and hundreds of people walked over. This giveaway is critical as inflation reaches record highs. People in the community said this is coming at the perfect time.

"It's real terrible. Inflation is up, up," said Denise. "Everything went up... a dozen of egg is like $5."

Samantha also weighed in.

"This is very helpful. It helps feed me and my family," she said. "I have a family of two."

Volunteers braved the frigid temperatures to give back to the community.

"I'm here for the people. I'm here to unite. I'm here to have fun. I have to bring a smile to somebody's face," said Marlene Snipes, a volunteer.

Others also got much needed donations in Chinatown Square on Saturday morning, with 300 holiday meal boxes going out to families.

Over in North Lawndale, Mayor Lori Lightfoot showed support for the community with another turkey giveaway near West Polk.

CVS volunteers provided 2,000 Thanksgiving meals at Saint Gall Catholic Church in Gage Park.

This type of unity across the city is something residents would like to see more of.

"It's wonderful. And we need to do this more often, not just the holidays. Come together," one resident said.

The video in the player above is from a related report.