Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago delivers over 10k Thanksgiving meals to local families

Posted November 25, 2025 9:35 pm

Submitted by Kevin Cooper

On Nov. 22-23, hundreds of volunteers help at The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago event at Harper College in Palatine assembling 10,000 Thanksgiving meals for people in need. Courtesy of The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago

As part of the 2025 Thanksgiving initiative, The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago delivered more than 10,000 complete holiday meals to families in need across the Northwest suburbs.

Hundreds of volunteers gathered for the annual assembly and delivery event, packaging thousands of baskets filled with turkeys, fresh produce, pantry staples, and messages of hope.

The brigade partnered with local school districts, social workers, and community organizations to identify families experiencing hardship in communities including Streamwood, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Carpentersville, Elgin, South Elgin, Barrington, and Inverness.

This year’s event also featured an unexpected highlight: a few lucky volunteer drivers were given the opportunity to borrow Teslas for the day to assist in deliveries. The experience added excitement and visibility to the event while helping volunteers reach more homes efficiently.

On Nov. 22-23, volunteers with The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago assemble Thanksgiving meals at Harper College in Palatine. Courtesy of The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago

Community impact

• More than 10,000 complete Thanksgiving meals delivered directly to doorsteps

• Hundreds of volunteers of all ages participating in packing and deliveries

• State Rep. Nabeela Syed spoke about the importance of helping the community and volunteered to help pack meals.

• Support extended across over a dozen suburban communities

• Strong engagement from local businesses, civic groups, and sponsors

“Our mission has always been greater than delivering food — we’re delivering hope, dignity, and a reminder that no one in our community is forgotten,” a spokesperson for The Basket Brigade said. “Surpassing 10,000 meals this year is a testament to the incredible generosity of our volunteers, donors, and partners. And seeing families lit up with joy made this year truly unforgettable.”

A growing tradition of giving

Inspired by the belief that “the secret to living is giving,” the Basket Brigade continues to expand its reach each year. The organization focuses not only on feeding families but also on the “growth of the giver,” creating opportunities for individuals, families, youth groups, and corporate teams to experience meaningful, hands-on service.

Volunteers with Ismaili CIVIC USA gather for a photo during the Nov. 22-23 event to assemble 10,000 Thanksgiving meals for The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago. Courtesy of The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago

Looking ahead

With community support continuing to rise, the Brigade is already planning for an even larger impact next Thanksgiving. Donations and sponsorship inquiries are accepted year-round.

Special thanks to the premier sponsors whose donations made the event possible. The premier sponsors include Harper College, Midwest Utility, Moretti’s Restaurants, Standfast Group, Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fidelity Wes Builders, State Farm Streamwood and Elgin, The Rotary Clubs of Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg AM, Houlihan Lokey, RR Donnelly, Allegra Marketing in Palatine, and Tesla of Schaumburg.

The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago is a volunteer-driven nonprofit initiative dedicated to providing Thanksgiving meals and messages of hope to families facing hardship. Through strong community partnerships and a growing volunteer network, the Brigade brings thousands of people together each year to uplift their neighbors and strengthen the spirit of giving. For more information, visit basketbrigade.net.