Harvest Worship Center Ministries serves 1,500 meals during annual LoveDay celebration (Chicago, IL) – Harvest Worship Center Ministries marked its annual LoveDay celebration by delivering more than 1,500 hot meals to seniors and community members in need across Chicago, continuing a tradition centered on service and connection during Valentine’s Day.
The event, hosted by Pastor Cornelius Parks, brought together volunteers and community partners to distribute meals throughout neighborhoods in the city. DoorDash, a longtime supporter of the initiative, sponsored the celebration for the fifth consecutive year by providing $5,000 in community credits to support the effort.
“LoveDay began as a simple way to show care to people who might otherwise feel overlooked on Valentine’s Day,” Parks said. “It’s about reminding our neighbors that they matter, that they are seen, and that they are not alone.”
Although LoveDay was formally established five years ago, Parks said his Valentine’s Day outreach dates back more than a decade. In its early years, he and volunteers distributed “love bags” at CTA stations as a gesture of kindness. The effort has since grown into a large-scale community outreach program and has inspired similar events at churches nationwide.
In addition to providing meals, Parks said each delivery includes an uplifting message intended to combat isolation and loneliness, particularly among seniors.
DoorDash officials praised the partnership and its impact on the community.
“LoveDay is a powerful example of how community partnerships can make a real difference, especially for seniors and those who too often experience isolation,” said Clark Kaericher, DoorDash’s U.S. head of government relations. “We’re proud to continue supporting Pastor Parks and Harvest Worship Center Ministries in this work.”
DoorDash noted that the LoveDay sponsorship is part of its broader community engagement efforts in Chicago, which include partnerships with organizations such as CHAMPS Mentoring, Metropolitan Family Services, the National Latino Education Institute and the College Mentoring Experience.
Organizers said the continued growth of LoveDay reflects both the need for community-based support and the impact of sustained collaboration among faith groups, volunteers and local partners.
Harvest Worship Center Ministries serves 1,500 meals during annual LoveDay celebration
