HARRISBURG (WSIL) -- Local non-profit groups came together to give back during Christmas week.
Heaven's Kitchen in Harrisburg, a group formed in 2018 by the Fowler Bonan Foundation, saw more than 25 volunteers fix hundreds of bags of food for people across ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois.
Among the items in those boxes included corn, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and a dessert. Organizers tell News 3 they gave out about 2900 boxes of meals outside the First Presbyterian Church Annex on Locust Street.
Kids also went home with more than a plate of food. Santa Claus was on hand with Mrs. Claus and 'Woody' from the Toy Story films to give out toys to children.
State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) says roughly 4,000 boxes of food were distributed to multiple communities across more than a dozen counties.
Fowler says he was happy to see people in the spirit of giving especially during a time when need is great.
"When you surround your self with caring people... that want to make a difference in the lives of others, this just flows. It just works," Fowler said.
Fowler said there were concerns about not having enough resources to provide food and clothes for residents. But thanks to donations, Fowler said, "¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois has provided for us."
Little Chapel Church and The Fortress Community also helped organize the event.
