Amy Witherite, owner of 1-800-TruckWreck and Witherite Law Group and Father Michael Pfleger greet a volunteer at a 2023 Winter Coat giveaway (Photo Courtesy of 1-800-TruckWreck).
Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church continues to champion Auburn Gresham with a mission rooted in love, justice and action.
This historic South Side church is partnering with 1-800-TruckWreck to host a vital community event on Dec. 10 at BJ’s Market & Bakery (1156 West 79th Street, Chicago) to distribute 2,000 meals through St. Sabina’s Operation Blessing.
This event is the first of two that 1-800-TruckWreck is initiating with community partners. The other is with Chicago Survivors on Dec. 21 to provide over 150 coats and winter essentials to members of the community (see below for more information on both events).
“Money is tight for many families, especially during the holiday and winter seasons,” shares Amy Witherite, owner of 1-800-TruckWreck and Witherite Law Group. “A hot meal and warm coat are things many of us take for granted, and our team is doing what we can to help make the season a little brighter this year for our Chicago neighbors.”
For the upcoming event at St. Sabina, the Chicago Defender recently corresponded via email with Father Pfleger, the renowned Catholic priest and social activist. Father Pfleger reflected on the importance of serving the community, the challenge of addressing food insecurity and St. Sabina’s partnership with the 1-800-TruckWreck/Witherite Law Group.
From tackling food insecurity to fostering a sense of belonging, he shares how the church is bringing hope to families during the holidays—and beyond.
Chicago Defender: St. Sabina Church has long been a cornerstone of the Auburn Gresham community. How do events like the Meal Giveaway help strengthen the connection between the church and the people it serves, especially during the holiday season?
Father Michael Pfleger: St. Sabina has always been deeply rooted in Auburn Gresham, and events like this holiday meal giveaway are vital to nurturing that bond. They provide a tangible way for us to demonstrate our love and commitment to the community, especially during a season focused on giving and togetherness.
By offering a warm meal to those in need, we not only address a basic human necessity but also create a space for connection and shared experience. It’s an opportunity for us to come together, break bread, and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines our community.
For the past 15 years, we have partnered with various organizations. The one consistent partner has been John Meyer, Owner of BJ’s Market. They contribute considerably to this event, both in terms of food and staff. Even though he had to close the 79th Street & Racine facility, he wants to give back to the community by offering meals and letting the Auburn Gresham community know that he wants to give back and be a part of the community.
This year, we’re especially grateful for the partnership with 1-800-TruckWreck/Witherite Law Group. Their generous support allows us to reach even more people and provide a more substantial meal, further demonstrating the power of collaboration in serving our community.
Ultimately, these events reinforce the message that St. Sabina is a place of support, compassion, and hope, not just during the holidays but throughout the year. They remind us that we are all interconnected and that by working together, we can uplift and strengthen our community.
Chicago Defender: How did your collaboration with Witherite Law Group come about, and what does it represent for fostering community support?
Father Pfleger: Our collaboration with Witherite Law Group began with a shared desire to serve the community. We recognized that by combining our resources and efforts, we could make a more significant impact than we could alone.
Amy Witherite, the owner of 1-800-TruckWreck and Witherite Law Group, reached out to St. Sabina with a genuine desire to give back. She was inspired by our ongoing commitment to the community and wanted to be a part of our mission.
Amy Witherite of 1-800-TruckWreck and Witherite Law Group at a coat giveaway in Nov. 2024 (Photo Courtesy of 1-800-TruckWreck).
This partnership represents the power of collaboration in fostering community support. It demonstrates that when organizations with shared values come together, they can achieve extraordinary things.
Witherite Law Group’s generous contribution to this meal giveaway allows us to provide a more substantial and impactful experience for those in need. It also sends a powerful message to the community: that we are all in this together, and that by working together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.
This collaboration is a testament to the spirit of giving and the importance of community partnerships in addressing the needs of those we serve. We are incredibly grateful for Witherite Law Group’s support and look forward to continuing our partnership to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Chicago Defender: Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in many Chicago neighborhoods. From your perspective, how do events like this meal distribution contribute to addressing this challenge long-term?
Father Pfleger: Food insecurity is a complex and persistent challenge, and events like this meal distribution play a crucial role in addressing it on multiple levels.
Most importantly, we provide immediate relief to individuals and families struggling to put food on the table. This meal offers nourishment and eases the burden of worrying about where their next meal will come from, especially during the holiday season when financial pressures can be heightened.
By consistently offering support and resources, we contribute to building long-term community resilience. People know they can rely on St. Sabina and our partners, like Witherite Law Group, in times of need. This strengthens the community’s ability to withstand challenges and fosters a sense of collective support.
Events like this also shine a light on the issue of food insecurity, raising awareness among those who may not be directly affected. This can lead to increased community involvement, advocacy, and support for long-term solutions.
Chicago Defender: How do these giveaways reflect the mission and values of St. Sabina Church?
Father Pfleger: These giveaways are a direct reflection of St. Sabina’s core mission and values. We believe in the inherent dignity of every human being and strive to create a community where everyone feels loved, supported, and empowered.
Our commitment to social justice and serving those in need is at the heart of everything we do. These giveaways are a tangible expression of that commitment. By providing essential resources like food, coats, and school supplies, we demonstrate our dedication to uplifting our community and ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities.
A recent giveaway at St. Sabina Church (Photo Courtesy of 1-800-TruckWreck).
Furthermore, these events embody the spirit of generosity and compassion that define St. Sabina. We believe in the power of giving and sharing, and these giveaways provide an opportunity for us to extend a helping hand to those who need it most.
Ultimately, these giveaways are a testament to St. Sabina’s unwavering commitment to serving our community and living out our values of love, compassion, and social justice. They are a tangible expression of our belief that we are all interconnected and that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
Chicago Defender: What message of hope or encouragement would you share with Chicagoans facing hardships this holiday season?
Father Pfleger: To all Chicagoans facing hardships this holiday season, please know that you are not alone. St. Sabina stands with you, along with many other organizations and individuals who care deeply about your well-being.
The holidays can be a particularly challenging time, amplifying feelings of loneliness, financial strain, and emotional distress. But even in the midst of these difficulties, there is always hope.
Remember that you are loved and valued. There are resources available to support you, and there are people who genuinely care about your well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it’s through St. Sabina, other community organizations or simply confiding in a loved one, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Hold onto hope. Believe in the possibility of brighter days ahead. And know that you are part of a community that cares about you and wants to see you thrive. We are in this together, and together, we will overcome these challenges.
Chicago Defender: Beyond the holiday season, what other initiatives or programs does St. Sabina have planned to continue supporting the community in 2025?
Father Pfleger: St. Sabina is deeply committed to serving our community year-round, and 2025 will be no different. We have a number of initiatives and programs planned to continue providing support and resources to those in need.
These include:
Expanding our Social Services: We are expanding our social services programs to offer more comprehensive support in areas like housing assistance, mental health counseling, and financial literacy.
Youth Empowerment Programs: We are strengthening our youth empowerment programs, providing mentorship, educational support, and opportunities for personal and professional development. We believe in investing in our youth and empowering them to become future leaders.
Violence Prevention Initiatives: We remain dedicated to violence prevention and intervention efforts.1 We will continue to work with community partners and advocate for policies that promote peace and safety in our neighborhoods.
Community Health and Wellness: We are expanding our focus on community health and wellness, offering workshops, health screenings, and resources to promote healthy lifestyles.
Economic Development Initiatives: We are exploring new initiatives to support economic development and create opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation within the community.
We are also incredibly grateful for ongoing partnerships like the one with Witherite Law Group.
These collaborations allow us to expand our reach and impact, and we are actively seeking new partnerships to further strengthen our ability to serve the community.
St. Sabina remains dedicated to being a beacon of hope and a source of support for all those in need. We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
For More Information
The schedule of events includes:
Operation Blessing with Saint Sabina Church
When: Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 3-6 p.m.
Where: BJ Market | 1156 West 79th Street, Chicago 60620
What: 1-800-TruckWreck and Saint Sabina Church are teaming up for the second time this holiday season to give away meals. Over 2,000 individuals will receive a dinner to go with dessert and a beverage. The event is free and open to the community. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interview Opportunities:
- Amy Witherite, owner of 1-800-TruckWreck and Witherite Law Group
- Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church
Chicago Survivors Coats & Cocoa
When: Saturday, Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: City of Praise Church | 3250 West 60th street, Chicago, Illinois 60629
What: 1-800-TruckWreck is partnering up with local organization Chicago Survivors for a day of healing and community. Over 150 coats, hats, gloves, and scarves will be given away to Chicago Survivors members to provide them with warm clothing as we head into the winter season. The event will also include a hot cocoa station, karaoke, and arts and crafts for the survivors.
Interview Opportunities:
- JaShawn Hill of Chicago Survivors
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