More than 200 volunteers will join together at St. Vincent de Paul Center in Lincoln Park on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 8:30 a.m. for their annual Outreach Luncheon for the Homeless. For more than 375 homeless men and women, the Outreach Luncheon means a medical check-up, warm clothes, a shower and haircut, counseling opportunities, a hot Thanksgiving meal and a little compassion.
"It's one of those days you never forget," says Brian Shields, Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator of the Center. "For the volunteers and staff involved, it is a brief glimpse into the life of a homeless person and a new perspective on a population that is often overlooked and misunderstood."
On hand for the Luncheon will be the Loyola medical team, DePaul nurses, Dr. Scholl's College of Podiatry offering medical attention, Capelli Beauty School providing haircuts, Warm Wishes handing out sleeping bags and Chef Jim Murphy with a Thanksgiving meal. Clothes and toiletries will be donated by Holy Family Parish and many other donors.
"We are thankful to the many volunteers, the sponsors and donations we are receiving to help us maintain a mission that fosters dignity and growth to those we serve. There is a united voice here and an effective system that cares," Outreach Director Denise Howard said.
"The selfless work of Howard and staff member David Carter in planning the Outreach Luncheon not only makes the Chicago winter a little easier to bear for our homeless guests, but it seems to ignite a spirit of charity in our volunteers and staff for the holiday season ahead," added Shields.
Find out how you can help at this year's Outreach Luncheon for the Homeless. Contact Brian Shields at (312) 943-6776, ext. 2220. |
