Mission Meals Gives Out More Than 300 Meals In Mokena

MOKENA, IL — The giving spirit was in full swing Thursday at EggCetera in downtown Mokena, where Mission Meals hosted its December drive-thru dinner and passed out 316 meals, a record for a single dinner for Mission Meals, according to Tammy Leonard, founder of One Love Global Wellness Foundation, the nonprofit organization under which Mission Meals operates.

Abundance was the theme for the evening, as in addition to the cornucopia of food, Mission Meals distributed hats and gloves, clothes, toiletries, candy and toys. Those who registered for the event also received gift cards for Berkot's Super Foods and Walmart so they could get whatever they needed that wasn't provided at the drive-thru dinner.

Santa was in attendance to greet visitors, and children volunteered to sing carols and help hand out the bags of items to all who showed up.

But, just like in the classic Dr. Seuss story, this holiday event has its own Grinch, too. Leonard said that someone, or someones, stole many of the toys prior to Thursday's event. However, when Leonard put out a call for help, people responded: The new donations of toys came back 10 times more than what was stolen, so people weren't going to let some Grinch get the better of them in this tale, too.

"It was like a blessing in disguise," Leonard said of the toy theft.

Mission Meals also provides information on nutrition, job seeking strategies and counseling, as well as providing resources for assistance in housing, employment, utility bill and prescription medication, Leonard said.

And Mission Meals on the Street provides homeless people in the community with "Blessing Bags" containing food, toiletries, socks, gloves, band aids, first aid kits and blankets in sturdy, waterproof bags, Leonard said. Mission Meals on the Street also provides information on shelters and other assistance programs, Leonard said.

The next Mission Meals dinner is scheduled for April, and Leonard said she is determined to get back to hosting it as a sit-down dinner. In the meantime, Mission Meals will continue giving out groceries to those in need from January through March, Leonard said.

One Love Global Wellness Foundation is based in Orland Park and serves the communities of Mokena, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Joliet, New Lenox, Frankfort, Richton Park and Oak Lawn.

For more information, visit the One Love Global Wellness Foundation website.