ALSO Hosts Inaugural Thanksgiving Dinner Event in Humboldt Park

Alliance for Local Service Organizations (ALSO) staffers serve up hot meals that were donated by five area restaurants.

More than 200 youth and adults joined the Alliance for Local Service Organizations (ALSO) on Friday, November 17, 2023 for the organization’s inaugural Thanksgiving dinner at the Humboldt Park Field House in East Humboldt Park.

Participants enjoyed a hot, sit-down meal of chicken fingers, rice, mashed potatoes, and desserts donated by five area restaurants. William Rivera, president of the United Cooks of Humboldt Park Coalition, has worked with and supported ALSO for seven years. “I don’t do this for notoriety. I just wanted to show my daughter that we give back to our community. Our taxes and dollars all stay in Humboldt Park,” said Rivera.

ALSO Lead Case Manager Maribel Romero organized the dinner to provide a dignified experience for community residents, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. “We’ve been doing turkey giveaways for five years,” said Romero. “We did that earlier today but decided to create an additional event for residents where they could come and enjoy a hot meal with their families.”

“Community is everything,” said Rivera. “Working with Maribel is the best. She has the most positive energy — she makes you want to help.”

ALSO, a member of the Communities Partnering 4 Peace coalition, serves Albany Park, Avondale, Logan Square, Belmont Cragin, Humboldt Park, West Town, and Hermosa, offering a range of community violence intervention services to those most affected by gun violence.

Community members enjoy a Thanksgiving meal hosted by Alliance for Local Service Organizations (ALSO) on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the Humboldt Park Field House in East Humboldt Park.