A church on Chicago’s West Side is making a difference this holiday season by helping families impacted by the pandemic and gun violence. On Saturday, church members and others in the community came together to spread some holiday cheer to 11-year-old Lorenzo Matthews and his brother, 12-year-old Michael Smith, after a difficult year. “I’m still appreciative,” said Cierra Mobley,.
People’s Church of The Harvest COGIC, 3570 W. 5th Ave., and other groups and organizations presented the boys with new bicycles and gifts for Christmas.
“We want them to know that the community loves them,” said pastor Michael Eaddy. “We are praying for their successful future because these are our best and brightest.” Barbershop in the community that I even frequented, said Ald. Jason Ervin, who represents Chicago s 28th Ward. I ve sat in that same chair to get my haircut. That could have been me.
Chicago police held a town hall meeting in the neighborhood after the shooting and received information leading to the arrest of a suspect in February.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Christmas came early for some 500 families on the West Side Saturday as People’s Church of Harvest hosted its annual toy and bike giveaway.
Children bundled in winter coats and scarves walked away from the Fifth City neighborhood church pushing new bikes, while adults packed plastic bags filled with toys and holiday goodies into their cars.
Cheryl Bolden stood in line with her 7-year-old grandson, Kenneth Johnson, who was eager to get his hands on a new bike. Bolden said community events like this gift giveaway are especially important this year with the coronavirus pandemic adding an additional economic and emotional strain on some families.