Gift Givers Spread Christmas Cheer Around Chicago

Chicago - It's two days before Christmas and it's a busy, busy day all around the city. People are hard at work - giving, sharing and loving. It's what the holidays are all about.

At Stroger Hospital's pediatric ward, "Duke of Earl" singer Gene Chandler was in the gift giving spirit.

"We've been coming here every year for the last seven years," Chandler said.

That's seven years of Project Happiness, giving sick kids and their parents something to smile about.

In Englewood, Congressman Bobby Rush is spreading cheer too. Each grocery bag his elves have filled holds 14 pounds of groceries. About 1,000 needy families are now guaranteed a Christmas meal.

Hundreds more will have food on the table thanks to Chicago Police.

In 11 days officers collected thousands of pounds of food to give to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Superintendent Jody Weis said, "It happens that our country has been affected by a turbulent economy and the officers responding to calls each day are confronted with the harsh facts that many people are without the basic necessities in life."

For the 45th year, Secretary of State Jesse White and his helpers delivered thousands of turkeys and hams to needy families and senior citizens all across the city.

And Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) summed up the spirit of the season with this thought about giving back: "Some folks never get anything -- not even a phone call during the holiday season -- so this is a blessing for them."