Itoo Society Dishing Out Meals For the Poor
By: Alexandra Sutter WMBD/WYZZ
Updated: February 2, 2013
President Randy Couri said Saturday's
lunch for those living in poverty is just the first of many. Couri said, "We
decided to do this dinner. It's part of us being a charitable organization and
being a charitable organization goes all the way back to 1914 when we had our original
bylaws written. "
In those bylaws, the Itoo Society
vowed to help.
Couri said this dinner is in memory of
Tony Williams, a former member of the organization who paved the way in feeding
thousands. He said, "During the depression he saw children around him starving
and digging through the garbage cans and he felt he needed to help them."
Couri said his team of volunteers is
expecting to serve 300 people. He said now more than ever, many in Peoria need
extra support. Couri said, "Unfortunately, there is a lot of need now-a-days
for all of us. All of us are hurting and we feel fortunate that we can do this
for the people of Peoria."
People like Daniel LeBlanc and his
wife. They're out Saturday to get a warm, home cooked meal. Something he said
they haven't had in awhile. "I figured it'd be a good idea to get me and the
Mrs. out and it allows me to feed her something different."
For Couri and the Itoo Society, this
meal is just another way to support its neighbors. It hopes to dish out a
little extra hope with each helping it serves.
City Link assisted the organization by
transporting visitors to and from the Itoo Hall. The bus system donated its
services for free.
