January 27, 2026
While we are heartbroken that the 19-week thrill ride that was the 2025-26 Chicago Bears season ended in overtime vs. the Los Angeles Rams, we’re grateful for all of the thrills the team gave us throughout their unforgettable run. But excitement and civic pride weren’t the only biproducts of the Monsters of the Midway’s magical season.
Soldier Field employee Maggie Szot has continued to bring in items left behind at gate security to benefit the Home. An HR manager for Soldier Field, ASM Global, which runs events and operations at the stadium, Szot launched a program last year that rescues and reuses items left behind at security gates due to a clear bag policy for entry to the facility. Fans who bring bags and purses to events that didn’t comply with the safety policy, as well as other prohibited items like umbrellas, could return them to their cars or place them in lockers.
Many, however, opted to toss them into garbage bins near the gates instead. But thanks to Szot, special containers were placed by the entrances for these items. The containers were labeled to make clear that any items left there would be donated to Mercy Home. Not only did that promote awareness about our Home to thousands of football fans and concert goers throughout the year, the donated items are put to use by our young people or sold to raise funds at our Mercy Beaucoup resale boutique.
Following the Bears’ historic playoff comeback win over archrivals Green Bay in January, Szot, proudly displaying her team loyalty with her hat (pictured), came to Mercy Home to deliver items left in the containers during the season.
The program has resulted in a steady stream of such donations to Mercy Home and will continue even while our Bears prepare to build on this season’s success next year. The Chicago Fire soccer club has scheduled matches starting in February, and the site hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
Szot has also organized numerous other programs at the stadium to benefit our young people, including a winter wear drive for our Community Care families and unused candy for our kids after Halloween.
Thank you, Maggie Szot, the Chicago Bears, and our friends at Soldier Field, for your kindness and support. You will always be champions to our children.
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