Community Thanksgiving Charity Meal at Senior Center

Village of Niles, November 28

Niles, Ill. (December 3, 2013) – Every year, the Niles Senior Center serves Thanksgiving meals to Niles seniors in need. This year, thanks to the innovation of Family Services Director, Tony Hollenback, and Senior Center Director, Kelly Mickle, the Thanksgiving Charity Meal expanded to include Niles families in need. This innovation is in accordance with the 2030 plan to expand programming at the Senior Center to serve the broader population.

“Thanksgiving is about community and remembering that every member of our community is valued, acknowledged and recognized,” said Hollenback. “This year we decided to change to create more inclusion that every member of the Village of Niles community is deeply important for who they are.”

Family Services staff and social workers from local schools identified clients/residents who expressed an interest in participating. This year’s event served over six families, many residents, and the homeless, many of whom had never before celebrated Thanksgiving. Guests expressed deep appreciation for the care they received. Children in attendance received age appropriate Toys-for-Tots gift bags.

A number of volunteers, including Mayor Andrew Przybylo and Village Manager Steve Vinezeano helped served food and a DJ provided entertainment.

 “It was an amazing event and it was a privilege to be a part of it,” said Vinezeano.