Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate on Chicago’s west side

Today was the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate on Chicago’s west side at the Bethlehem Healing Temple. Five area synagogues assist the temple with the event by providing the food and volunteers. Over 500 meals were served to recipients of all ages.

The day began by seeking out some to the area homeless to invite them to the dinner.

homeless person living on the street
A cardboard house that someone calls home under a railroad viaduct. Larry Shapiro photo
street person in Chicago
One of the many residents of the street that was invited for dinner. Larry Shapiro photo

Food preparation was done on a grand scale.

large quantity of food being cooked
Macaroni and cheese was one of the dishes offered. Larry Shapiro photo
large quantity of food ready for a soup kitchen
Mass quantities of food were prepared. Larry Shapiro photo
African American sister of a Chicago temple
The head chef supervised the cooking. Larry Shapiro photo

Volunteers of all ages came to help.

volunteering to help feed the homeless
Desserts were offered to guests at their tables. Larry Shapiro photo
volunteering to help feed the homeless
There was a large teen presence. Larry Shapiro photo
volunteering to help feed the homeless
Lined up and ready to serve the hot food. Larry Shapiro photo
volunteering to help feed the homeless
This young girl represents one age group that was helping out. Larry Shapiro

Everyone was in good spirits and thankful.

woman receiving food at a soup kitchen
A happy customer greeted by the volunteers. Larry Shapiro photo
teens serving food at a shelter
The food was efficiently served to a line of guests that seemed to go on forever. Larry Shapiro photo
man receiving food at a soup kitchen
One of guests being served. Larry Shapiro photo