Businesses Offering Freebies During Frigid Cold

Chicago area businesses have been stepping up to offer freebies to those who are out helping those in the cold and to others who are just hoping to get out of their homes during the frigid temps. McAlister's Deli, which has locations in Algonquin, Elgin, Geneva, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills and elsewhere, will be offering a free entree to all first responders and city workers through closing on Thursday.

You may want to call your local McAlister's Deli to see if they are closing early Thursday before you head out.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Timothy O' Toole locations, including businesses in Lake Villa and Libertyville, offered free coffee and soup to anyone stopping out.

"We are here today to do our best to help out our community as well," according to a Wednesday post on the Timothy O'Toole's Facebook pages. "If you know anyone that can use a free hot cup of soup or coffee, a place to thaw out or is simply looking for some company today, stop on by. We’ll be here."

A free meal, with up to a $10 value, is being offered to first responders and teachers as well, according to Timothy O' Toole's . Utility workers, plow drivers and village, county and state employees working outdoors will receive 25 percent off their bill, according to a post on the Lake Villa Timothy O' Toole's Facebook page.

Here is a look at all the Timothy O' Toole's locations (you may want to call ahead before you go to check when they are closing and what deals are being offered):

• Timothy O' Toole's Chicago, 622 N. Fairbanks Court in Chicago, (312) 642-0700
• Timothy O' Toole's Gurnee, 5572 Grand Avenue in Gurnee, (847) 249-0800
• O'Tooles in Lake Villa, 10 W. Grand Avenue in Lake Villa, (847) 979-0600
• O'Tooles in Libertyville, 412 Milwaukee Avenue, (847) 984-2599

Photo caption: McAlister's Deli in Geneva/Photo credit: GoogleMaps