Bloom Township Holiday Food Basket Distribution Jumps 50% in 2020

(Chicago Heights, IL) – Bloom Township officials distributed last weekend more than 600 holiday food baskets to residents and families struggling through the COVID pandemic and economic turmoil, substantially increasing the number of baskets handed out in 2019 by 50%

Bloom Township Supervisor T.J. Somer, who directed the food basket giveaway on Saturday, December 19, from the Township Center in Chicago Heights that saw long lines of cars, noted that he had expanded the outreach for holiday basket distribution this year due to anticipated need.

“Given the pain that both the pandemic and economic crisis have created for families, we knew that the need in the community would be far greater this year, so we planned to expand our holiday outreach,” said Somer. “Typically, we provide at least 400 holiday food baskets annually, but this year we distributed more than 600.”

The meal baskets included fresh turkeys, hams, eggs, potatoes, bread, and multiple side dishes.

Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez heaped praise on the Township, Somer, and the dozens of volunteers for what the city’s chief executive termed a “going the extra mile effort.”

“Bloom Township, Supervisor Somer, and all the volunteers clearly showcased a ‘going the extra mile’ effort in their outreach to residents to ensure that they would have a generous holiday meal on their table for Christmas,” said Gonzalez. “I am deeply appreciative of the township government’s concern for residents and its ability to make a positive contribution during the holidays.”

Bloom Township is located in southeastern Cook County. It is one of the original 25 civil townships in Cook County adopted on November 6, 1849.

davidormsby@davidormsby.com