For the last three years Kenneth J. Allen Law Group in partnership with the United Way of Porter County and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana have donated more than 3,000 turkeys to our neighbors who need a little help this holiday season.
“I’m blessed to be able to do this,” said Attorney Kenneth J. Allen. ‘“When you can give someone a bag of groceries filled with a turkey and pie, and they look you in the eye and say ‘Thank you. We wouldn’t have had dinner otherwise,’ to me is amazing. The best response to today is just someone who is genuinely grateful for the help.”
Thanks to the partnership of the law group and the organizations, and with the help of 60 volunteers, 200 turkey dinners were distributed at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana's South Club and 800 additional dinners were given out at the Lake County location. Hundreds of people were greeted with friendly, compassionate faces as each bag was distributed.
“We’re fortunate to be able to provide a full meal for people. They get a turkey, pie, box of mashed potatoes, and two cans of veggies,” said Rebecca Weber, volunteer engagement manager for the United Way of Porter County. “It truly takes a caring team to put something like this together for our neighbors who need our help.”
“Everyone will need a little help at some point in their life. I think it’s important to reach out as often as we can in an effort to help get people back on their feet," said Allen. “If we can look out for each other to the extent we can and help each other out, that’s the America I want to live in.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana President & CEO explained why the Annual Turkey Giveaway, in partnership with United Way of Porter County, has become an important tradition, “We are very grateful for Kenneth J. Allen Law Group’s heart and compassion, not only now but throughout the entire year. Providing hope and opportunity to our Club members is really at the core of what we provide to our 10,000 Club members throughout the entire year, and that is exactly what a Thanksgiving meal represents: hope.”
As Allen guided families around the gymnasium to get their dinners, one woman stopped Allen from walking at the pie table to say, “Thank you. My family and I really appreciate this.”
“You hear stories of families who are not able to afford dinner, who have two kids and the mom just lost her job. They just can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner, so that's why we’re here to help,” said Weber.
According to Kim Olesker, President and CEO of United Way of Porter County, the partnership was formed after the Kenneth J. Allen Law Group wanted to ensure those in need had a wonderful Thanksgiving with a warm, traditional meal.
“Being able to partner with Kenneth J. Allen and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, and getting the volunteers here today to help folks… that’s huge,” said Olesker. “We’re better and stronger when we come together as a community.”
