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Lunch Love to Feed Those in Need in Chicago on Saturday

A note with a Hershey Kiss will be included in every lunch handed out through the Lunch Love Community Service Project (Photo: Facebook, SIMP, Inc.).

In a powerful display of unity and compassion, four organizations, namely SheWill Legacy, Sherrod’s Independent Mentoring Program, Inc., First Church of Deliverance, and The Moss Way, have joined forces to combat hunger in three tent cities near downtown Chicago. Their shared mission is driven by love and a commitment to making a positive difference.

The driving force behind this initiative is the personal loss experienced by Chicago Police Detective Jameka Sherrod and CEO Dr. Jarmese Sherrod. Their beloved mother, who dedicated over two decades to serving as a retired Crossing Guard, seamstress, caterer, and advocate for the community and education, tragically succumbed to a rare form of cancer in December 2022. With little warning after being diagnosed in late October, she passed away on December 4. To honor her memory and carry forward her legacy, the Sherrod siblings have organized events and partnered with other organizations.

Their mother had tirelessly provided meals to those in need for many years. Now, with the support of community volunteers, Jameka and Jarmese Sherrod are continuing her noble work. They will be delivering dinners to three locations: the port at 19th & Canal, 1086 S. Desplaines, and beneath lower Wacker Drive (near 100 E. Michigan) between 12-1 p.m.

The meals will be prepared by community leaders and members of Fellowship M.B. Church, starting from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the First Church of Deliverance Community Center located at 4301 S. Wabash Ave. The menu includes rotisserie chicken, spaghetti, string beans, a roll, and a beverage.

Each meal will be lovingly sealed with an empowering message and a Hershey’s kiss, provided by the remarkable 5th-8th grade girls at Clara Barton Elementary School on the southside.

These inspiring young leaders are actively involved in the Mary Sherrod Queen Violence Prevention Empowerment Program and have dedicated themselves to a yearlong calendar of giving back. The meals will then be delivered to the three locations from 12-1 p.m.

This day serves as a testament to the power of service and love.

Led by Dr. Jarmese Sherrod, the community is coming together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. In addition to this event, the Sherrod sisters have an extensive list of upcoming impactful initiatives planned for Chicago. These include workshops, community events, breast cancer programming, support for veterans, a 15-day German Cultural Experience for high school students and adults, community service projects, and empowering trips.

All these events are free, and everyone is invited to participate and offer their support.

Dr. Sherrod is an expert in youth development, renowned for leading the first youth team to win the 2021-2022 Governor’s Cup. Her team, comprising 125 young leaders from 12 school districts, broke a 38-year tradition in an adult competition.

Through her work in youth development, violence prevention, and reentry programming, she has impacted the lives of 15,036 individuals over the past 2.5 years. Detective Jameka Sherrod has also made history within the Chicago Police Department as a two-time recipient of the Police Medal, a remarkable achievement for a female officer.

Her ongoing dedication involves empowering the youth of Chicago to excel in their passions and aspirations.

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