Food Chicago: Volunteers at South Side XS Tennis hustle to get meals to those in need ahead of winter storm

Chicago (WLS) — Thursday afternoon at XS Tennis on Chicago’s South Side, a sprint was made to get hundreds of ready-to-eat meals to those in need before the winter weather sets in.

“You walk into XS Tennis and you see a sign that says ‘Champions Adjust.’ So we had to adjust this whole schedule,” said Renel Perry, XS Tennis Program Director. “There are so many families who wouldn’t have had the Christmas they wanted without it.”

Perry had to do some phone work this week.

“Shout out to the community. I was literally calling people. ‘You were scheduled for Friday, you need to come on Thursday now.’ Everyone said yes.” said Perry.

This includes Annie Marie Ford, who buys food for the elderly.

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“I’m unloading this individually and I want to get home before it gets too bad in there,” Ford said. .”

Food giveaways are done in collaboration with the Madeline Hills Foundation.

Madeline Hills of the Madeline Hills Foundation said, “I absolutely wanted to be there. It’s a shame we have this crazy blizzard. But regardless of the storm, the food crates are still being delivered to families in need.” It is being done,” he said.

Volunteers were at full speed loading boxes into their cars as the snow fell and temperatures dropped.

“For those in need or those who can’t get out to get things they need for their children, this is great,” said Kieta Woodfolk.

It’s a team effort, one box at a time to lift the spirits.