DESPITE the ongoing pandemic, in the Sikh spirit of “Langar” the Sikh youth of Chicago area, under the auspices of Sikh Religious Society of Chicago, served food to the needy families on Christmas Day at the Salvation Army Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The Salvation Army takes donations and provides basic human needs of food and shelter to the needy.
Food was packed and distributed by the Sikh volunteers to the families and individuals who came to the Salvation Army needing help.
In addition to the traditional Christmas lunch, cookies, bagels, cakes and toys for the kids were also distributed to those who wanted to take those home. Due to pandemic and social distancing, it was not a usual sit-down meal, but only to take home.
Even though it’s a Christian celebration, people of many faiths contribute money and volunteer for this event to help the homeless and the needy families enabling them to celebrate Christmas. The Sikh community has been actively associated in this service since 1992.
A.D. Singh Chawla, his family and friends donated a skid load of canned food and essential items both during the Thanksgiving Day, and also on this Christmas Day.
The coordinator Sarwan Singh said, “As Sikhs it gives us a lot of satisfaction to share with and serve those who are going through tough times during Christmas.” He quoted the Sikh Holy Scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, to highlight service to others.
Sikh community members also handed over $1,201 to Captain Nathan Welch and Captain Jennifer Clanton of the Salvation Army center.
Major Nancy Powers of the Salvation Army thanked the members of Sikh community for their contributions and said that the Salvation Army has over the years developed a very friendly relationship with the Sikh community.
Sikh Religious Society thanked all who contributed their time and hard-earned money for this noble cause.
Salvation Army also provides drug de-addiction, trains the homeless for regular jobs and ultimately home ownership.
They are located at 825 Christiana Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.
