Ambassadors Make Thanksgiving Brighter for Families

December 3, 2025

On November 19, the Ambassadors of Mercy board, along with friends and families who volunteered, packed 130 meal kits for Community Care and Friends First families. The kits were then delivered so that Mercy Home families could enjoy a special Thanksgiving dinner.

“Thanksgiving is a holiday all about generosity and appreciating those around us,” said Rita McGovern, director of affiliated constituencies. “The board truly valued the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”

The Ambassadors of Mercy have focused their volunteer efforts on the Community Care program in the last few years, particularly around the Thanksgiving and Easter holidays to support those in need. Many of the event’s volunteers were returners from last year’s event. Steve Hoesley has lived across the street from Mercy Home for years and “always saw the amazing things they have done.”

He and his family wanted to get more involved, so his wife joined the board three years ago.  

“It’s a really efficient way to give something back,” Hoesley said. “It’s such a great use of our time. And it’s nice to see some familiar faces and be greeted by people. It’s such a warm vibe.”

Premium supermarket chain Mariano’s helped with the costs of the meal kits, which included items such as a turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cake mix, and other classic holiday foods. Faith United Methodist Church of Orland Park, another generous friend of the Home, also helped provide food.

Ambassador Board member Bill Pragalz, a five-time Mercy Home Hero in our marathon program, brought his kids to help pack the boxes of food. Member John Salvino was joined by his mother Carol Salvino and wife Deb Huang. The three arrived early at the Mercy Home cafeteria where they helped set up the different stations.

George Nolan, another Ambassador Board member, not only donated his own time, but also brought volunteers from St. Ignatius College Prep as well as other schools in the area. The boys and girls helped decorate our campus and provided a nice energy to the room.

Nolan has been volunteering with Mercy Home for 10 years and has attended Christmas Tree Lightings, the Golf Classic, and other events when he could.

“I just think they have a really powerful mission,” Nolan said last year. “While I don’t get to interact with the youth, I know the difference that the home is making in the lives of youth. Any small way that I can be a part of supporting that mission makes me feel like I’m doing some good as well.”  

Mercy Home also provided gift cards for Community Care individuals and families who are housing-unstable or who live too far away to receive a meal kit delivery.

We are grateful to our dedicated board members for helping ensure a meaningful Thanksgiving for our Community Care families. We are also thankful to our coworkers in Community Care for their steadfast support of the children and families of Mercy Home.