Rainbow PUSH hosts annual Thanksgiving dinner: 'We want to keep hope alive'

Jeffery Moore moved his hips and glided his feet in between tables full of turkey and macaroni as Mary Mary's "Praise You" rattled from speakers in a hall Thursday morning at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition National Headquarters in Bronzeville.

Moore, 67, was one of well over 100 community members, pastors, volunteers, Air Force and JROTC members who came out to the headquarters at 930 E. 50th St. to help put on the coalition’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for needy families.

"It's a blessing, a privilege and a pleasure to see my people showing love and in the giving mood," Moore said.

The coalition planned to serve 250 meals to families and individuals in need, including those who are experiencing homelessness.

Moore stressed the importance of helping the needy on the holiday, citing his experience living in a tent in Washington Park for three years.

"There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a smile on a person's face because it represents happiness," Moore said. "There's nothing like being happy, loved and fulfilled."

Other volunteers said the same spirit of generosity encouraged them to come out and lend a hand.

"I'm so blessed to have a Thanksgiving I can depend on every single year and it's a privilege not everyone has," Tara Levy said. "Spreading that holiday cheer is super important. That's what I'm passionate about."

Levy, 31, sees volunteering at the dinner as an opportunity to show gratitude on a holiday about giving thanks.

"When you focus on what you have and what you're grateful for, it instantly changes your mood [and] instantly changes your perspective," she said. "You're able to realize just how blessed you are."

Volunteer Afrika Porter agreed, saying she was happy to help ensure everyone had a spot at the table for the holiday.

"This is a good place for everybody to come convene, get good music, good food, good fun and good people," she said.

The room burst into applause when the Rev. Jesse Jackson was wheeled in. He posed for pictures and helped put a to-go plate of food together.

"This is an opportunity for them to share Thanksgiving in a loving and caring way," the Rev. Janette Wilson, a senior advisor to Jackson and the national director of PUSH for Excellence said. "We want to keep hope alive."