Chicago Sikhs serve Christmas lunch at Salvation Army site

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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 needy families on Christmas day December 25, 2020 at the Salvation Army Center in Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to the traditional Christmas lunch, those coming to the venue for food also received cookies, bagels, cakes and toys for the kids to take home.

The Sikh community of Chicago has been actively associated with this service since 1992.

Due to the pandemic and to observe social distancing, it was not a usual sit-down meal but only to take home. Even though it is a Christian celebration, people of many faiths contribute money and volunteer time for this event to help the homeless and the needy families enabling them to celebrate Christmas.

This year, A.D. Singh Chawla, his family and friends donated a skid load of canned food and essential items both on  Thanksgiving Day, and also for Christmas.

The coordinator Sarwan Singh said, “As Sikhs it gives us a lot of personal satisfaction and spiritual upliftment to share with and serve those who are going through tough times during Christmas,” noting that selfless service was the creed of Sikh religion and practice.

Members of the Sikh community also made a collection and 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. The community has been providing cooked lunches to the Salvation Army every Saturday since the pandemic began.

“Sikh Religious Society thanks all who contributed their time and hard-earned money for this noble cause. May Waheguru bless all for their contribution,” a press release from the organization said.