SOUTH BEND — The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos announced a donation of 1,200 Thanksgiving boxes to those in need. Volunteers from the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos handed out 200 Thanksgiving boxes at 10 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana in South Bend.

Boxes were provided on a first come, first serve basis to recipients in vehicles and there was a limit of one per household. Thanksgiving boxes were also provided to local churches and food pantries in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan, Decatur Human Services in Michigan and Feeding America in Benton Harbor. Each Thanksgiving box included a turkey, potatoes, traditional stuffing, a can of corn, a can of cranberries and a pumpkin roll.

“Holidays like Thanksgiving can be an especially difficult time for individuals and families that struggle to keep food on the table or have a place to go during the holidays,” said Frank Freedman, chief operating officer of Four Winds Casinos. “We hope these food boxes will be a source of comfort and joy for those who could not otherwise enjoy a holiday meal.”

“We are very proud to be part of this annual effort now in its fifth year,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. “The collaborative effort between Pokagon Citizens, Four Winds employees, the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Decatur Human Services, Feeding America and local food pantries and churches is a wonderful expression of giving. We hope this contribution will warm the hearts of recipients and let them know they are cared for and appreciated.”