‘I’m so thankful’: Salvation Army delivers gifts, food to needy suburban families

Volunteers brought holiday cheer to more than 300 families Friday by distributing holiday gifts and food at the Salvation Army Community Center in Des Plaines.

The operation was part of the Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree program. Generous donors purchased toys, clothes and other presents for kids whose families registered and qualified for the national effort.

Arlington Heights resident Guadalupe Ocampo was among the parents who received donations through the Angel Tree program Friday. She and her husband have six kids, and money’s been tight since she was laid off from her job.

The donations relieve some of the stress she’s been feeling — at least temporarily.

“I’m so thankful that we have some angels like them,” Ocampo said.

Bundled up to protect themselves against the day’s bitter wind and low temperatures, the volunteers greeted arriving parents at their cars, offered to pray with them and then loaded vehicles with large red bags containing pajamas, coats, gloves, hats, everyday clothes and toys.

Other volunteers came by with large boxes containing everything someone would need to prepare a festive meal — potato flakes, stuffing, canned vegetables, cake mix and more — while someone else brought out frozen chickens, turkey breasts and Cornish hens.

“It’s beautiful to be able to see the smiles in the families,” said Cecilia Dinardi, a pastor at the church within the community center and one of the event organizers.

Mount Prospect resident Cindy Escobar picked up gifts and food for herself and four children Friday. It’s tough to be a single parent right now, Escobar said, so she’s grateful for the assistance from the Salvation Army.

“It’s going to help us a lot for the holidays,” she said.

Des Plaines is among the suburbs that have been targeted by federal agents as part of the Operation Midway Blitz immigration crackdown. About 70% of the participating families are Hispanic, Dinardi said, and many are immigrants.

Some of the people who visited the center Friday have been afraid to leave their homes but made exceptions to pick up the gifts and food, Dinardi said.

“It’s scary, but it’s something they really need, so they will take that chance,” she said.