Mundelein groups ensure Thanksgiving feast for families in need

Several Mundelein-area families in need will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, thanks to a caring community effort.

Elly's Pancake House donated 76 turkeys Tuesday to area families; the Mundelein Police Department received 40 turkeys to distribute in the village, while the other 36 went to the Fremont Township Food Pantry to be given to families in the township outside the village.

Forty Mundelein families who were given turkeys by the police department also received side dishes that were provided by Girl Scout Daisy Troop 45730, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 45193, Girl Scout Cadet Troop 40310, a Mundelein mother-and-daughter book club, Mundelein Home Depot, Mundelein Latino Citizens Police Academy, and the Mundelein After School Coalition.

It's the 18th year the police department has teamed up with Elly's for the effort, with police officers Rachel Messina and Anastasios Koumantos coordinating Tuesday's deliveries.

The meals were packed in the morning and delivered in the afternoon. Families receiving the meals were chosen by contacts developed through the police department, churches and Mundelein school districts.