In their traditional holiday philanthropic initiatives, Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland injury attorney Kenneth J. Allen and his wife Nina Tuesday donated dinners that will feed about 1,200 people in Northwest Indiana on Thanksgiving Day Thursday.

The turkey dinners were distributed by Mr. and Mrs. Allen Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the Hilltop Neighborhood House Village Food Pantry and at the Catholic Charities offices in Gary. Bags for each family dinner included a Thanksgiving turkey, potatoes, green beans, and a pie.

The Allens have a long history of philanthropy over the years in Northwest Indiana. In the past they have donated hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners to the Portage Food Pantry and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary and at Strongbow Restaurant in Valparaiso to people affected by flooding in Lake County, Indiana.

“My wife Nina and I are passionate about the need to help those less fortunate,” Allen said. “Having worked my way through school, I understand the difficult circumstances families often find themselves caught in, particularly when the economy is down.”

“There is no sadder situation than when parents are unable to feed their children, and that is something we hope to help prevent this holiday season,” said Nina Allen. “We hope this will help highlight the reality that many families in our community really need help, and we want to send the message that those who are able need to step up and help those in need,” added Kenneth.

In the past the Allens working through the United Way of Porter County helped establish the Kinderprint child ID kit program. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have underwritten it for the three Northwest Indiana counties ever since it began.

And last year the Allens donated more the 1,100 new winter coats to needy children in Lake and Porter counties.

Donald G. Asher