Kids & Family

Big Pappa's Needs Your Help to Bring Christmas Cheer to Those in Need

By Erin Gallagher,
Patch Contributor


For over a year, Sandi Digangi, the owner of Big Pappa's Gyros, set aside money from the register each night in order to save. What started four years ago with the desire to feed a few hundred people grew last year into dinner for 1,839 people.

"How we celebrate our Christmas is to give to others," she said.

And give they do. Digangi, and her three children, Anthony, 18, Michaline, 15, and Nicholette, 12, make everything homemade. They had to spend several nights at the restaurant to keep turkeys cooking every three hours. Last year, the four cooked 72 turkeys inside the restaurant.

"My children jump in and they cook literally three to four days straight," Digangi said.

The family used to spend Christmas volunteering in homeless shelters. After they bought the restaurant at 10806 S. Cicero Ave., they decided to help the people in their own community. On Dec. 25, Big Pappa's Gyros serves Christmas dinner to families from Oak Lawn and surrounding suburbs who may not be able to afford a meal.

Poverty isn't a requirement, however, Digangi added. They also offer food to people who may "just need to lift their spirits," she explained.

"There is no charge whatsoever," she said. "It feels so good."

She and her children do most of the cooking. Last year, about 100 volunteers helped.

"You don't know who's going to show, and everyone just shows up," the owner said. "It's wonderful, absolutely beautiful."

In order to feed 1,839 people last year, Digangi paid about $2,800 out of her own pocket. Donors gave $1,500 and about 50 turkeys to help. 

"This is our Christmas," she said. "My children want nothing for Christmas."

Various organizations have offered to open their halls, but Digangi declined.

She said they like to keep it "nice and sweet" in their own restaurant. They start serving the first meal about 10 a.m. and quit about 8 p.m. They also offer free delivery to homebound families and seniors. 

For more information or to make a donation, call 708-741-4014 or stop in Big Pappa's Gyros, 10806 S. Cicero Ave. Monetary donations and toys to hand out to children are especially needed. 


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