ENGLEWOOD — Travis Starks doesn’t have to worry about finding a meal for Thanksgiving, thanks to an Englewood nonprofit.
“This is a lot of help,” he said after eating a meal of fried chicken, spaghetti, salad and cake on Wednesday. “I eat good, get full and the food is good.”
The Action Coalition of Englewood run by the Rev. Henry Raven of St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Wednesday served meals to those who have come across hard times. They were also given food baskets with cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, corn and other canned goods and allowed to take home seconds from the hot meal they were served. Families were given gift cards so they could buy turkeys.
Raven, co-founder of the People Educated Against Crime in Englewood, and his wife are Englewood residents who have served the community for 30 years.
But this year it has been a struggle to get food and other donations, he said. And they are serving less people: They helped about 100 people Wednesday, down from a high in 2009 when he served 500.
The group helps about 1,000 people a month.
“We’re making an impact because people look for us,” Raven said. “We have our doors open so we can help them with their needs.”
The food pantry at 5731 S. Lowe is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, although it is not open on Thanksgiving day this week. The soup kitchen is open on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6455 S. Peoria St.
The community group also offers clothing, counseling and help with utility bills.
Tamika Jones was able to eat and leave with some gently worn clothes on Wednesday.
“We need more places like this in the community because there are a lot of homeless and people struggling,” she said.
People at the soup kitchen Wednesday said there aren’t many other options in the community.
Meg M. Isial-Pere met Raven five years ago when she became a widow. The 59-year-old said she wasn’t eligible for a lot of assistance programs so Raven helped her through her financial troubles.
Keeping the non-profit's doors open is important, she said.
“A lot of places have closed down so those who need the help would be lost just like I was in the beginning," she said.
Rocio Morneo, a mother of four, came out for lunch with her small children.
“Not every place helps you with a lot of stuff,” she said. “They are very helpful with a lot of things here.”
Donations and volunteers are always welcome, Raven said. People can call 773-707-9642 to learn how they can help.
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