logo

Barack Obama joins volunteers to help out at Chicago Food Depository for Thanksgiving

Jaimie-lee Prince
By Jaimie-lee Prince
Feb 08, 2019
10:41 A.M.

Barack Obama shared in the Thanksgiving spirit when he joined volunteers distributing food in Chicago.

Advertisement

The former President visited the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Tuesday. At least 60 volunteers were working for charity there.

According to ABC 7, the food bank will cater to 700 community distribution sites within the network.

Follow us on Twitter for more @amomama.

Advertisement

Barack was in the area for the Obama Foundation Summit with leaders and students. The organization works as a leadership building program for communities nationwide. Barack and the Chief Engagement Officer Michael Strautmanis brought along food to donate to needy families.

Charmingly, Barack greeted the volunteers:

"Hey, how's it going? This is a spiffy-looking spot right here."

Advertisement

Then Barack, 57, adorned latex gloves and assisted repacking potatoes. He would be part of those helping to serve the public roughly 159,000 meals per day.

At one point, the beloved president encouraged two little girls:

"You guys are doing such a great job helping out. I'm really proud of you."

Barack's genuine acts of kindness are only overshadowed by the overwhelmingly adorable love he shows for wife Michelle.

Advertisement

Just last week, he gushed on Instagram about his wife's new book when it was released. Barack said that Michelle's memoir, titled "Becoming," "faithfully reflects the woman I have loved for so long."

He was quick to describe his partner as "brilliant, funny, [and] wise." The free promotion helped Michelle's book to reach a bestselling status in record time. It topped Amazon's book category within a week.

Advertisement

After attending to his volunteer work, Barack later tweeted:

"Thanks to the Chicago @FoodDepository team for all you do and to the volunteers who are doing great work and let me crash today. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!"

Barack's energy as he entered the room rivaled current President Donald Trump's during the Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon yesterday.

Advertisement

The event was missing any host kids. Barron Trump, 12, who was present last year, did not appear this time.

Regardless, Donald and wife Melania pardoned turkeys Peas and Carrots. They will live out their days on "Gobbler's Rest" in Virginia.

During his speech, Donald attempted to humor his audience with political satire. He said there was some controversy with the voting to determine the winning turkey, Peas.

Advertisement

He joked that "unfortunately Carrots refused to concede and demanded a recount. We're still fighting with Carrots."

The president also warned that the turkey may be subpoenaed by Democrats. And that they should watch out for the ninth circuit.

Some might have appreciated if the "humor" was left out of the event which is meant to be inclusive and heartwarming. But the audience chuckled either way.

Advertisement

As a president, it may be difficult to avoid political nuances at times. Yet Barack appeared to focus solely on the cause with his donations and on-hand charity work on Tuesday.

Indeed, while Barack was packaging potatoes, Trump took to the golf course in Florida with his wife and son Barron. He is expected to spend Thanksgiving at the Mar-a-Lago estate club just as he has since the start of his presidency in November 2016.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Donald Trump's Health Under Scrutiny Again After Fourth Medical Exam – What We Know

May 27, 2026

Why One Small Detail in Barron Trump's SOTU Look Is Causing a Buzz

February 25, 2026

Barron Trump Makes His First Public Appearance Since His Father's Presidential Inauguration

February 25, 2026

Michelle Obama's Rare Outing Sparks Ozempic Rumors – Fans React to Her Transformation

May 13, 2026

Ivanka Trump Shares Photo with Her Siblings and Their Partners, Sparking Online Buzz

February 26, 2026

Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding Celebration Reveals Surprising Family Absence — Photos

May 28, 2026

Former TV Host Reveals One Thing Trump Did to All His Wives

June 03, 2026

Donald Trump Shares Health Update After 4th Public Hospital Visit — Photos

May 27, 2026

Melania Trump Speaks at Mother's Day Event – Donald Trump Blushes at Her Words

May 07, 2026

Trump Makes Unexpected Apology at White House Mother's Day Event, Leaving Everyone Stunned

May 07, 2026

Three A-Listers Will Be Missing From 2026 Met Gala — Here's Why

May 04, 2026