Community

Christmas will come early at West Side school


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State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) is commending the generosity of two companies, Weinstein Meats and Gusto Packing, both of which will be partnering with him Dec. 15 to provide more than 500 gifts to the students of George Leland Elementary School, 5221 W. Congress Pkwy.

“Everyone at Weinstein Wholesales Meats, Heartland Steaks, Perishable Distribution Solutions and our vendor partners at Gusto Packing feel very fortunate that we are able to help make the holidays a little nicer for other members of our community,” said Scott Weinstein in a statement.

“We realize the need in the community is large, and by ourselves, we can only hope to make a small difference,” he said. “I would like to thank Rep. Ford for his help in connecting us with Leland school and allowing us to help celebrate the holidays with them. “

Rep. Ford said, “Austin is one of the communities hardest hit by unemployment and foreclosure, and families are struggling to make ends meet and provide the basic everyday necessities that every family deserves.”

“This time of year adds pressures to families barely able to pay for food and utilities, and this partnership is a great example how the public and private sectors can work together to provide relief that benefits everyone.”

Rep. Ford, Weinstein Meats and Gusto Packing will provide all of the school’s students with a smoked ham and three presents. Because not every student at Leland Elementary is needy, Rep. Ford is urging any family that appreciates, but does not need the Christmas gifts, to pay it forward and donate them to a local food pantry or children’s charity.

“Due to limited resources, many of the students and their families cannot afford gifts during the Christmas holiday,” said Principal Loretta Brown-Lawrence.

“The generosity of Rep. Ford and Weinstein Meats is greatly appreciated.”

 

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