Chicago Wolves mascot “Skates” will greet young fans and pose for photos from 11:30 am- 1 pm this Saturday at The Grand Food Center, 606 Green Bay Road, Winnetka.

  The non-profit group uses the campus’ residence hall kitchens at night to prepare meals for impoverished groups throughout Evanston, Chicago and North Chicago.

The students will distribute its grocery list needed to prepare 700, individual Thanksgiving meals. They’ll ask Grand Food Center shoppers to purchase fresh vegetables, mashed potato mix, stuffing mix, canned pumpkins, gravy, sugar and flour. They’ll also ask shoppers to purchase dozens of large, aluminum pans that hold the turkeys.

“We’re really proud of these Northwestern University volunteers,” says Chris Barber, co-owner of The Grand Food Center. “They’re a high-energy group that is doing something very special in these residence hall kitchens at night.  It’s a win-win situation,” he adds, “and we’re glad to be a part of their noble efforts this Thanksgiving.”  

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, The Grand will match every purchased, donated item that student gather, thus doubling the final total.  The grocer will do the same for benefactor repeat this goodwill act the following day, Sunday, when New Trier Township Food Pantry volunteers will ask shoppers for non-perishable food donations at its Glencoe store, 341 Hazel.