Des Plaines Legion, Sam's Club give away Thanksgiving feasts

Turkey dinners are something many families take for granted on Thanksgiving.

But not all families can afford to put a turkey on the table, and are even left scrambling to supply the trimmings.

More than 125 families in need won't have that concern this year after they received the materials for a Thanksgiving feast Sunday morning courtesy of American Legion Post 36 in Des Plaines and Sam's Club.

Among the grateful recipients was Des Plaines resident Rosio Valdivia. She said her husband has been trying to get his residency for the last six years while she's working as a waitress trying to make ends meet for her three kids.

"It's tremendous," she said of the free meals handed out Sunday. "I can't believe it. I just hope one day to pay it back."

Phil Campbell of American Legion Post 36, who's spearheaded the event since it began five years ago with 35 families, said the annual Thanksgiving giveaway is just one of the post's community events. In December, the post will be hosting Shopping with a Vet to benefit needy families.

Families who received the meals were referred to the event by Des Plaines Elementary School District 62.

"A lot are families who are working really hard and just trying to do the best for their children," said Jessica Becker, a social worker at Orchard Place Elementary School. "To be able to offer them the opportunity to have something that makes it just a little bit easier is really powerful for them. It's really nice to be connected with the American Legion because they are doing such amazing work out in the community, raising the money to be able to do this."

Kristin Jares, principal of South Elementary School, said the school partners with the American Legion, as well as with VFW and Kiwanis, to support disadvantaged families.

"This is an incredible experience and event," she said. "Knowing that these families are going to get to go home and have your traditional Thanksgiving, words can't describe what a great feeling that is."

Robert Sarlo, an assistant manager at Sam's Club, said putting together the baskets usually is a four-day process.

"It's wonderful seeing the looks on the families as they get their baskets and the joy it brings them knowing that they are going to have a meal on Thanksgiving that they probably wouldn't have (had)," he said.