MILWAUKEE — On Thanksgiving, the Sherman Park neighborhood was filled with warmth, not just from the hot meals being served but the giving that defined the day.
It was a chance for neighbors to come together, share a meal and experience the holiday spirit in a meaningful way.
For Felicia Northern, the meal meant more than just turkey and stuffing.
“My heart is just so full of joy,” said Northern. “I’m so grateful and thankful. My heart is full of joy.”
Hosted by Ald. Russell Stamper, along with organizations like the Dream Team United WI and Embassy Center MKE, the community Thanksgiving feast aimed to ensure everyone could enjoy a hearty meal.
Sequanna Taylor, vice president of Dream Team United WI, said she expected this year’s feast to be the largest yet, with over 800 people attending.
“We felt like everybody on this holiday should be able to have a hot meal, so we decided why don’t we give it to them and pop-up in what people consider one of the inner-city lots,” said Taylor.
Beyond the food, the event included giveaways of winter coats, hats, gloves and hygiene kits to help neighbors prepare for the cold months ahead.
“It makes me feel like we are doing exactly what we should do every year,” said Taylor. “It’s these amazing stories of people who found us, like a little boy that was scared to come outside because of a shootout and came to us for the first time in three weeks. Or a man in a wheelchair whose bus driver brought him here. So, each and every year, we are here. It’s for a purpose.”