A Thanksgiving turkey giveaway is making five stops across the Chicago area this week. The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana plans to distribute 3,000 turkeys, along with gift cards to help families buy additional holiday groceries.
The 26th annual Food for the Body & Spirit giveaway runs November 10–14, with a different McDonald’s hosting each morning. Distributions begin at 8 a.m. and continue while supplies last, so organizers recommend arriving early.
The first stop took place in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on Tuesday morning. The remaining giveaways are scheduled for Maywood, Grand Boulevard, Auburn Gresham, and Chicago Heights through Saturday.
Where and when to get a free turkey
Each restaurant hosts the giveaway on one scheduled day—not throughout the week. Here’s the full lineup:
- Tuesday, November 10: 5015 W. Madison St., Chicago
- Wednesday, November 11: 11 N. 1st Ave., Maywood
- Thursday, November 12: 740 E. 47th St., Chicago
- Friday, November 13: 8321 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago
- Saturday, November 14: 19767 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
All five distributions begin at 8 a.m. and continue until supplies run out.
Veterans can use a priority line
Veterans can receive VIP line entry by showing proof of military service. Wednesday’s Maywood giveaway takes place on Veterans Day, but organizers advertise the veterans’ line as a feature of the initiative, not just that day’s event.
Get information about utility bills, housing assistance and more
Representatives from the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, known as CEDA, will attend all five stops. They’ll share information about resources including WIC, utility assistance, weatherization and housing support.
Alongside picking up food, attendees can ask about programs that may help with household expenses and preparing a home for winter. The announcement describes information and guidance on these services—not guaranteed financial assistance or on-site approval.
The turkeys are free and available while supplies last. Arrive early, confirm you’re going to the correct location for the day, and bring proof of military service if you plan to use the veterans’ line.
