CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Thousands of Chicago Public School students ended their third day of the new school year with pizza parties, after first responders handed out 2,500 pizzas at eleven schools Wednesday.
Among the police and firefighters handing out boxes of frozen thin crust cheese at Bradwell Elementary was Deputy District Fire Chief Brian Johnson.
“There’s no greater feeling than giving back to the community,” Johnson said.
4-year-old Riya and her siblings were happy to receive them as they left school.
“Good, good,” she exclaimed.
Principal Tyese Sims said this was the perfect way to end the day and start the new year.
“It shows that it’s a partnership, especially with what’s been going on with the media. They don’t see the police necessarily as a community partner. But, this right here really sets the tone on what we’re really here to do for our students and our families and our communities,” Sims said.
Home Run Inn donated the pizzas as part of the company’s 75th anniversary celebration, where it will donate 10,00 pizzas throughout the year to shelters and families in need. Gina Bolger’s immigrant great grandparents started the company in 1947 after success at their tavern in Little Village.
“We really appreciate giving back to the community, it’s been something that we’ve been doing for 75 years. So, for our anniversary, we’ve thought this would be the best way to celebrate ourselves,” Bolger said.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services worked with the Dr. King Community Center in Bronzeville to coordinate the giveaway. District Manager Dalina Bailey said with the frozen treat came information about services they provide.
“During the pandemic, a lot of people lost their jobs and need assistance with rent assistance, we provide that service. We have domestic violence services for victims that are fleeing domestic violence,” Bailey said.
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