CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As the Archdiocese of Chicago held Easter Basket Blessings at dozens of parishes Saturday, there are some Chicagoans now feeling blessed to have an Easter basket at all.
Community leaders in Englewood were busy Saturday serving about 2,000 families with Easter baskets, gifts and other goodies at the Shepherd's Hope building located at 838 West Marquette.
Event organizer Charles McKenzie said that he and his partners understand that there are many local mothers and fathers who can’t afford to give their kids something special for Easter.
"What me and my team decided to do is create something good for families, which is giving away Easter baskets."
He also mentioned Harold’s Chicken, which was able to provide "good food" for the families.
"It's been busy for us today. We've been busy. We're honor and blessed to have good people come out today."
Englewood First Responders and the Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club helped organize the event as well. Harold's Chicken also fed officers from the Chicago Police Department's 7th District, which has long partnered with these organizations to provide positive experiences between officers and youth.
Sharmane Hayes told WBBM that her teenage son even got a free haircut.
"I was very grateful and thankful for that also, because haircuts cost a lot in Chicago and right now I can't afford to get his hair cut."
Her son Denzel said that the haircut looked "nice and good." The free haircuts were supplied by pastor Dionell Hill also known as Revd Dabarber by locals.
A struggling mother and a victim of domestic violence, Hayes was pleasantly surprised this Easter weekend after she found out about the giveaway when visiting the food pantry.
"Praise God that (Denzel) was able to get a free hair cut today, free food, free dinner, and also a free Easter basket," she said. "That will really touch someone's heart when you show love and kindness."
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