WEST HUMBOLDT PARK— A West Humboldt Park restaurant owner wanted to give a break to the people who have had a hard time in recent years before the holiday season.
Quentin Love, owner of Turkey Chop Gourmet Grill, 3506 W. Chicago Ave., gave out 1,000 turkeys Wednesday.
"It's all about creating hope and inspiration to the people of Chicago. It's not just about the violence, it's about the love," Love said. "We've gotten a lot of negative press, so let's turn this around."
Love and his volunteers handed out turkeys to people waiting in line, which extended down Chicago Avenue. The plan was to give away 1,000 turkeys (an increase of 750 from a year ago). Normally, Love serves hot meals to homeless and poor people every Monday.
"My and my guy Douglas Simmons decided to pull this off. We joined forces to make this happen," Love said. "We put together a GoFundMe page to raise $10,000. I didn't realize turkeys were so much."
Love told DNAinfo that an anonymous donor stepped up to help the pay for the rest of the turkeys and other supplies needed to pull off the giveaway.
"Life is good. I'll tell you that," Love said. "Some of the people who've received turkeys have thanked us and gave us hugs."
Yvette Johnson, a West Humboldt Park resident, came out to get a free turkey. She normally serves food to the homeless at the her church.
"This isn't just for the homeless. Sometimes, people who are working need help," Johnson said. "This is a good thing that they are out here doing this because people may not any food for tomorrow. I thank God that they are out here giving out to the community."
Douglas Simmons, Love's best friend, helped organized the event. While he echoed Love's sentiments, he said that he is grateful for the turn out.
"It's been an amazing journey to see all of the people come out today. We're grateful," Simmons said. "When you think about it, people say Chicago is all about gangs, violence and drugs but we showed today that Chicago is about love. The people showed up today. They showed us love."
On Thanksgiving Day, Turkey Chop plans to host dinner to whomever needs it between 1 p.m.-3 p.m. For more information, click here.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
