DES PLAINES, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Around 150-area homeless people were treated to food, clothing, a shower and a haircut by local charity group Caridades de la Cruz at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines after much work to gather donations for the annual event that might see its last light due to lack of resources.
Those experiencing homelessness were transported by bus to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to get a plethora of love: they received a shower, a haircut, food, clothing and winter boots Dec. 21.
The ministry provides weekly volunteer service and donation to those experiencing homelessness and living in transitional housing around Chicagoland, but this event was one of the biggest of the year.
Volunteers like Alexandra, who did not want to give her last name, make the event a success every year. She said planning starts months before the big event by working with locals interested in donating much-needed items for the homeless, working with local businesses who donate clothes and people interested in lending their time to make sure those who attend the service event feel valued and cared for.
"We try to find people if they want to help us, maybe to bring some food, clothes or shoes," Alexandra said.
Clozel Johnson, Jr. was one of the people transported to the event and said he was pleased to receive all the items for free, especially the new boots.
"It is very important and helpful and it's a very pleasant thing they can do that," Johnson said.
But gathering all the items to give away was especially difficult for the charity this year, said Will Rosaro, the event coordinator for Caridades de la Cruz. He fears the group might not be able to continue donating next year because they almost fell short on the promise that every homeless person would receive winter boots.
Rosaro said the group did not get enough boots from donations, which led him to buy two on his own and his church choir bought 10.
"They have no idea how difficult it is for us to let them leave," Rosaro said.
Even though the donations bring joy to those who need them, it's a stress on the charity group and the event tested its limits, he said. Last-minute scrambling from volunteers helped in fulfilling the boot promise, but he is wary of future events.
Ultimately, Rosaro wishes he and the charity could be more helpful to those experiencing hardship and who are getting back on their feet. It's difficult to see them go after being helpful knowing the realities of their situations, he admitted.
"I know where they live but you can't take them all and bring them home," he said.