More than 2,000 families will enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal thanks to donations from attorney Kenneth Allen and the Four Winds Casinos.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos donated 1,000 food boxes to those in need during the week of Thanksgiving. Delivery of the boxes took place November 23 and distribution will be completed through several organizations in Michigan and Indiana.
Each Thanksgiving food box from Four Winds includes a ham, macaroni and cheddar mix, canned corn, potatoes, cranberry jelly, and a pumpkin roll.
Recipient organizations in Michigan include: Feeding America Michigan in Benton Harbor; Marcellus Community Food Pantry in Marcellus; Cooperating Ministries/Methodist Church in Hartford; Action Ministry Center in Dowagiac; Child and Family Services of Southwest Michigan; Lawrence United Methodist Church in Lawrence; and St Paul's Episcopal Church in Dowagiac. Recipient organizations in Indiana include: Feeding America Indiana in South Bend; MAC Albright in Mishawaka; Broadway Christian Parish in South Bend; Clay Church in South Bend; First United Methodist Church in South Bend; and River Park Food Pantry in South Bend.
Attorney Kenneth Allen and the Valparaiso-based Allen Law Group donated 1,200 meals to Northwest Indiana households, a tradition of the law firm for decades.
Meals were distributed on Nov. 21 to families, individuals and Region nonprofits. The event was coordinated by United Way of Northwest Indiana staff with assistance from more than 80 volunteers.
Each meal contained a turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables and a whole pie.
The Merrillville Rotary Club delivered 50, $50 Strack & Van Til gift cards to Franciscan Health St. Clare Health Clinic in Crown Point. The cards will go to mothers in the Prenatal Assistance Program and other hospital patients in need.
Merrillville Rotarians began the tradition by donating turkeys for distribution, but in recent years, decided gift cards would better serve families' needs.
