BAPA, Franconello Deliver Pasta Dinners To Seniors: Coronavirus

CHICAGO — In the two weeks since the coronavirus crisis has been declared a worldwide pandemic, lending a helping hand has become even more of the norm for civic leaders, business owners and residents in the 19th Ward neighborhoods of Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood.

That continued on Friday, when volunteers with the Beverly Area Planning Association delivered nearly 200 pasta dinners from Franconello Italian Restaurant, 10222 S. Western Ave. to senior citizens who live in the ward.

The effort was coordinated by BAPA Executive Director Mary Jo Viero and the meals provided by Franconello. Viero said the idea came from 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea who has already coordinated an effort to deliver pancakes from the Original Pancake House - Beverly to senior citizens in the neighborhood and plans next week to do the same with pizza slices from Barraco's.

"I loved the idea and I thought it would be nice to try to organize a dinner for seniors who shouldn’t be going out," Viero said. "Franconello’s was my first call and they said yes immediately. They also said they would not take any money and would donate everything. I was not surprised by their generosity."

Generosity has long been the word in the 19th Ward, and indeed it is no surprise efforts are taking place here to help those who need it the most.

"We are thrilled to be able to help during these unsettling days and weeks," Viero said.

List of restaurants and stores offering home delivery in Beverly

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