Car Caravan Brings Holiday Cheer To Smith Village Residents

CHICAGO — Dozens of 19th Ward residents gathered to lift the spirits of residents at Smith Village Senior Living Community in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.

Seniors at the independent and assisted living facility have been quarantining in their apartments throughout the pandemic. They have been separated from their families and many won’t be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones.

The Beverly Area Planning Association organized a car caravan to honor the residents and staff members who’ve been caring for them on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Community and family members gathered at Ridge Park to decorate their cars and assemble for the parade. There was also a drone that captured an overview of the Ridge Park parking lot.

Carolers from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and Santa joined the parade.

The caravan of dozens of vehicles drove south on Western Avenue and west on 112th Place, where the caravan circled around Smith Village, which encompasses a whole city block.

~ Video by Smith Village staff member Tory Brigance