(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Seniors and veterans on the West Side will be feeling the love this Valentine's Day, thanks to an annual event organized by a local pastor.
It's called "Love Day."
“Love Day is a day that we have created to give love to those that has been overlooked throughout the years," Pastor Cornelius Parks said.
He said the event has been going strong for four years, but this year's event is the largest yet.
"This year, we are very thankful for one of our biggest supporters, which is DoorDash. DoorDash, they have donated $5,000 cash onto this initiative, which have given us help in feeding 1,000 seniors and veterans."
He said each meal also comes with a "love message," with encouraging words in hopes of reminding recipients that they're not forgotten about.
"I'm praying that when individuals receive that meal, not only would they see the sticker of love and scripture, but as they open up, they'll smell the essence of great food, and they'll always have it stitched in their mind that someone cares."
Technically, Love Day started 12 years ago, with Pastor Parks and a team of people handing out "love bags" filled with candy and personal items to folks at CTA bus and train stations.
"I saw a lot of brokenness with individuals, and we already always had a passion for outreach. And so we want to designate one particular day to give back in form of love."
And that day became known as Love Day, celebrated every Valentine's Day.
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