Food Drive in Honor of Mokena's Fallen Aaron Toppen

A food drive in honor of Mokena’s fallen soldier Aaron Toppen has been started to supply veterans with meals this Thanksgiving.

Berkot’s is partnering with the Veterans Food Pantry and Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run for the sixth annual drive—this is in honor of 19-year-old Aaron Toppen, who was killed in Afghanistan in June 2014.

Organizers aim to feed between 800 and 1,000 veterans. Volunteers will be on-hand at Berkot’s stores Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepting non-perishable food items, and accepting cash donations or payment for prepackaged $5 or $10 bags of food.

All 15 Berkot’s locations will be participating.

“Six years ago, I met several veterans coming home from tour who could not find worr, and were barely able to provide a meal for their families,” said Mike Cozzi, spokesman for the food pantry.

The first year’s effort generated roughly 100 baskets.

“Each basket is filled with all the fixings and so much more,” Cozzi said.

In addition to the 15 Berkot’s locations participating, Parkview Christian Church, 11 local schools and numerous businesses chip in to make the project go smoothly. The baskets are made the same day the items are donated, Cozzi said.

The drive has already generated a portion of the $18,000 needed to provide 800 to 1,000 turkeys, which run an average of $18 each and range in weight from 16 to 20 pounds. Local owners of military vehicles—including Mokena’s former mayor Joe Werner—will transport the food. Roughly 60 percent of the food comes from Berkot’s customers.

Click here for a list of south suburban Berkot’s locations.

Veterans in need of a turkey dinner can register online.