Free turkey distribution in support of Maine Township families

A number of the organizers donated a Thanksgiving dinner, and what appeared to be a long line of cars wound through the township area in Maine Township.

The annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive took place on Saturday morning, skillfully managed by more than 50 volunteers from nearby Maine Township neighborhoods and various organizations that support and uplift the communities of Chicago and the surrounding areas.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. at Maine Township, several organizers joined together and were able to give away over 300 turkeys to those in need. The coordination of the well-known Chicago area nonprofit Care and Cure, Empowering Women NFP; Trustee Aasif Malik, and Jewel-Osco. Along with many elected officials from Maine Township, state Sen. Laura Murphy, Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski and Cook County Judge Corinne Heggie were among the volunteers.

Every year, the event provides financial relief for local families so they may enjoy Thanksgiving meals together. Volunteers packed boxes of turkey, vegetables, stuffing mix and more into cars, one family at a time.

Trustee Asif Malik expresses gratitude to the community and volunteers for giving of their time to help with this fantastic event. Additionally, Malik appreciates and conveys his appreciation to Second City Prime Steak and Seafood for their annual charitable contributions to the neighborhood and for the kind gift they provided to a fortunate attendee of event.

In an interview, Malik expressed his wishes for a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving spent with those closest to him.

"Be the person that somebody else could require." he said.

Founder of Empowering Women NFP Arshia Husnain stated, "We were able to come up with enough turkeys for 300 families today."

Her next project is organizing a Christmas toy drive for families in the Chicago area.