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Paul Hall Community Center Hosts Annual Holiday Food Give-Away

CHICAGO (CBS) -- In this bitter cold, a Chicago community center is offering the warmth of Christmas and some much-needed food.

The Paul Hall Center on the South Side is hosting its annual holiday food give-away.

CBS 2's Susanna Song reports people are not only happy to receive free food but also to go indoors for a few minutes to catch a break from this cold.

"Absolutely the coldest I've had in 50 years. To see the people coming out here in 0 weather they have to have a need for this food, and we want to make their Christmas a miracle," said Bishop Paul Hall.

People toughed it out in the frigid cold, with some arriving as early as 5 a.m.

"It is so cold but God is good," said Patricia Jackson.

"They got a big fire behind us back her. I feel a little heat from it so that is what is keeping us warm," said Arthur Powell.

Unlike years before, the line is shorter. Bishop Paul Hall says many will wait till the last minute to stand outside

"Because it's so cold many people are probably going to wait until 10:30, 11 o'clock," said Hall.

Others didn't want to risk going home empty handed. This year the Paul Hall Community Center plans to feed up to 2,000 people and give out clothes and toys as well.

"Right now I'm not working and my daughter is staying with my sister for a while," said Jackson.

"There are so many people destitute, hurting because of economy," said Bishop Hall.

Bishop Hall says they're in desperate need of meat right now--any kind--turkey ham, or chicken. If anyone wants to make a donation, they can call the Paul Hall Community Center at 773-298-1209 or come to Christ Universal Church on Ashland.

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