Something Good: Citizen Potawatomi Nation Feeds Record Numbers For Thanksgiving

For the past 20 years the Citizen Potawatomi Nation has fine-tuned the turkey train for the community. 

“After that many years we’ve got it pretty well down now," said CPN Workforce Program Director Carol Clay-Levi.

As you might expect, the need this year is no small potatoes. 

Two hundred twenty-five baskets, the most ever for CPN, filled with all the Thanksgiving essentials, and given to families and organizations that are most in need.

That includes people not only within CPN but the surrounding community as well. 

“If they can walk into grandma’s and say, ‘Grandma, I brought in the fixings.’ That is such a self-esteem builder for them," said Margaret Zientek, Workforce Program Assistant Director. 

“Some of them shed a few tears when you hand them the basket. It’s something that just gets you right here," said Clay-Levi.

Catherine Oglesby picked up a basket. Several of her family members had health problems recently and have been unable to work. 

“I’m very fortunate that I do have a tribe close by that can support me and help me out in times of need," said Oglesby, a Tribal Elder. 

A need beyond a turkey on the table. 

“People do need to know somebody cares," said Zientek.

The baskets will be back for Christmas time, and CPN expects to be handing out even more than they did for Thanksgiving. 

Baskets are provided by referral only.