Thursday Last Day To Pre-Order 'Get Behind The Vest' Pancakes

CHICAGO — The 19th Ward’s annual “Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast” will go door-to-door this year on Sunday, March 21. While people may not be able to gather in person, pre-purchased breakfasts will be delivered to homes that morning to continue ongoing efforts to purchase bulletproof vests for Chicago police officers.

Chicago police officers receive a new bulletproof vest when they are hired. Once it wears out or breaks down, it needs to be replaced very five years. One bullet can permanently damage a vest, making it unusable. Chicago police officers are responsible for replacing their own vests at $500 or more, in addition to other equipment and uniform expenses.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has paid out more than $4.6 million to purchase 11,276 replacement vests for police officers. The annual “Get Behind the Vest” campaign helps raise money to fund 500 vests for police officers.

Breakfast orders are being accepted now through Thursday, March 18 on the 19th Ward website. Each meal includes two servings of pancakes and sausage for a $20 donation. Breakfasts will be delivered to your doorstep, or you can pick up your pancakes at St. John Fisher Church, 10235 S Fairfield Ave, Chicago, but you need to order online. Volunteers are also needed to deliver and make pancakes.

Kean Gas Station, 2632 W. 111th St., is also joining in this effort by donating 5 cents for every gallon of gas pumped from March 14 through March 20. Two generous donors are matching that donation meaning for every gallon of gas pumped, 15 cents will go to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

For more information, please contact Ald. Matt O'Shea at mattoshea@19thward.com or 773-238-8766.