Today Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Chicago Public Libraries, Chicago Park District and other city agencies announced several Thanksgiving-related events and activities. Thanksgiving dinners, food drives, turkey trots and other events will be hosted in neighborhoods across Chicago.

“In every neighborhood across the city, communities are coming together to celebrate and give thanks this Thanksgiving season,” said Mayor Emanuel.

For Chicago Public Schools, the season of giving has already begun. Students at Roberto Clemente Community Academy and Hubbard High School hosted giving drives to provide turkeys and groceries to CPS Students in Temporary Living Situations and their families. Students at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences recently hosted their annual 19th Ward senior citizen Thanksgiving dinner for over 300 seniors. Students prepared everything from their farm, and served the dinner. The first graders at Howe Elementary School celebrated with a Thanksgiving Feast this week with family and staff.

The Chicago Park District hosted Share Thanksgiving in Mandrake Park, bringing neighbors together for a free dinner. The Park District also hosted Turkey Trots at Horner, Avondale and Rainey parks.

Chicago Public Libraries brought together families for Thanksgiving focused story time and crafts at the Oriole Park, Mount Greenwood, Lincoln Belmont and Pullman branches. The Little Village branch hosted an evening for adult crafts and creativity to help residents make centerpieces.

Ice skating experiences at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon on the Millennium Park Campus will be open through March, weather permitting. Both rinks have free admission, with a skate rental fee. Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park will begin on November 24 with a performance by the Leo High School Choir, and will continue with local Chicago choral groups every Friday through December 15. 

The Department of Aviation will release travel projections and helpful tips for those traveling through Chicago airports during  the holiday season.

Animal Care and Control (CACC) is waiving fees for cats through November 30 as part of a Catstgiving Promotion. CACC will also donate meals for dog with 4 Paw Bakery Food Truck and Rescue Partners. Players for Pits is organizing a group to bring Thanksgiving Meals to the shelter animals. 

Holiday festivities will continue throughout the season. Children will travel with Chicago Police Department (CPD) district officers in police cars to shop for holiday presents at the Target on Roosevelt and Canal for Shop with a Cop, supported by iF Charities. During Operation Santa in early December, CPD Superintendent Johnson will visit families of fallen members to give presents to children.  

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