Swallow Cliff Chapter NSDAR Presents Community Service Award

Community Service Award - Sandi DiGangi

At its May 16 spring luncheon, Swallow Cliff Chapter NSDAR presented the DAR Community Service Award to Sandi DiGangi, owner of Big Papa’s Gyros in Oak Lawn. Also present were her children Tony, Mikey, and Nicolette and Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution created the Community Service Award to “recognize individuals for unpaid voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship, or environmental conservation endeavors. The recipient must have contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through voluntary, heroic, civic, or benevolent service, or by organizing or participating in community activities.” Saudi’s work on behalf of those less fortunate in her community shows that she is most deserving of this award.

Growing up in Bridgeport, Sandi was raised in a family tradition of helping others and volunteered at homeless shelters and food pantries. She has continued that tradition of volunteering with her own three children. In 1995, Sandi’s 5-year-old son Gary died tragically in a house fire. When she went to pay for his funeral, she was told that an anonymous donor had already paid for it. “Paying it forward” became a way of life for Sandi.

For the past 5 years at Christmas time, as a way to honor Gary’s memory, she has made it her mission to provide a meal for seniors, veterans, the homeless, the unemployed, and those facing financial hardship in the community. However, no one does any checking up on whether someone is truly needy or not or lives in the surrounding area. She has a “no one walks out hungry” policy. Each person requesting a dinner gets a complete homemade turkey dinner with all the fixings - including potatoes, vegetables, gravy, rolls, a dessert, and a beverage. Meals can be delivered to those who cannot come to the restaurant. If there are children in a needy family, they receive several toys to brighten the holidays. Each night at closing Sandi sets aside some of the earnings from her fast-food restaurant and usually ends up contributing over $4000 of her own money. She also relies on donations of cash, gift certificates, food, and toys and has seen her efforts grow from 750 dinners served in 2010, to 1050 in 2011, to 1800 in 2012, to 2300 in 2013, and to the most ever - 3200+ in 2014. This year saw Sandi, partner Eddie Memishi, and her 3 children joined by a group of 167 volunteers, who helped to make the day a success. Christmas for the the DiGangis waits until a few days later when things are less hectic.

Sandi’s own life has been presented with challenges in recent years, from battling cancer and diabetes to dealing with the deaths of both parents. Sandi may have less energy than in the past, but she is determined to carry on with her mission. Additionally, she maintains a call list of 15 seniors whom she contacts on a regular basis, and she also finds a way to donate any food leftover from the restaurant during the week to those in need. Recently Sandi spearheaded a drive to provide deadbolt locks for 57 senior citizens to help them feel more secure in their own homes.

Mayor Sandra Bury, along with Oak Lawn Village Clerk Jane Quinlan and trustees Tim Desmonde and Terry Vorderer, wrote letters of recommendation for the DAR award on Sandi’s behalf. At January’s Board of Trustees meeting, Mayor Bury, said of Sandi, “She is a modest woman and certainly not wealthy, but her big heart and care for her community define character.” Swallow Cliff Chapter was proud to present to Sandi DiGangi the DAR Community Service Award for her outstanding service to those less fortunate in her community.

Photo Caption (L to R): Swallow Cliff Chapter Regent Eles Miller, Award Recipient Sandi DiGangi, and Chapter Vice Regent/Community Service Award Chairman Gale Shafer

2nd photo: Sandi DiGangi and children