As we gear up for the holiday season, we’re always reminded of the importance of reflection, gratitude, and giving back. Catered by Design has been bringing events to life in the Chicagoland area for over two decades, and we want to recognize how thankful we are for everyone who supports our company and all the team members who make all the magic happen!
This Thanksgiving, we want to continue our tradition of giving back, which is needed now more than ever. In years past, we have partnered with Heartland Alliance to donate Thanksgiving meals, and this year, we are donating to JOURNEYS | The Road Home, a local non-profit that helps provide shelter, social services, and more to those experiencing homelessness or housing and food insecurity.
Our team preparing meals for donations in years past
Let us detail all of the incredible work that JOURNEYS does for the greater Chicagoland community, how your order with us can directly benefit people in need, and how to utilize your Thanksgiving meal to the fullest.
About JOURNEYS | THE ROAD HOME
JOURNEYS | The Road Home began as two separate entities – Northwest Suburban PADS, Inc., which was created in 1989, and HOPE NOW, Inc., which was created in 1992. The two agencies focused on servicing the same population of those facing housing insecurity and homelessness from their inception. Once being awarded a grant that helped both entities secure a permanent location out of which to operate, the two were able to legally merge in 2001, creating JOURNEYS | The Road Home. According to their website, the merger allowed them to develop and invest in “multiple professionally run programs, PADS, The HOPE Center, On-Site Shelter, and Pathways Housing Readiness.”
Over the years, JOURNEYS has been able to expand its offered programs, which now “include over 70 services which are available free of charge to anyone from the community that needs help.” Their programs all serve their own purpose, such as taking in those who need shelter, counseling services, a warm meal, and so much more. For example, The HOPE Center provides services such as job counseling, mental health counseling, and legal referrals, to name a few, while the On-Site and PADS Shelters provide a safe, overnight shelter, warm meals, and showers.
There is a rising need of our community for these services that JOURNEYS provides as the cost of living becomes more and more expensive. JOURNEYS has multiple ways in which the greater Chicagoland community can help! You can donate monetarily, via the JOURNEYS Amazon Wishlist, or by donating directly to their main building in Palatine with food pantry items, seasonal clothing, and toiletries especially as we head into the colder months. To learn more, visit their website for more information and to see which specific items they allow for donation. If you would like to provide a meal prepared by yourself, you can do so through their STEP Shelter Food Program, where you can sign up for a slot to bring in a certain pre-made dish, such as a salad, entrée, side dish, dessert, or beverage.
Our communities need engagement and joy more than ever, and small acts of kindness go a long way to ensuring that those around us get the care and support they deserve. At Catered by Design our goal this Thanksgiving is to give back to the local community in the best way we know how – through food!
Our Donation
Holiday meals are a privilege, and we’re dedicated to making sure those that need a little support this Thanksgiving can share in the joy of a warm meal. Gratitude and empathy are at the heart of the holiday spirit, and this holiday season, with every order we receive from clients like you, we will donate a meal in your name to JOURNEYS | The Road Home with our own donation as a company!
Our team preparing meals for donations in years past
On the JOURNEYS website, they note that this year alone they have had a huge impact on the community, having served 1,051 individuals or families, 139 permanent home placements, 41,999 nights of shelter, and 91,882 meals have been served, and we want to help contribute even more with your help.
The warm meals Catered by Design will provide are exactly what you would receive for your own family, including Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast, Classic Redskin Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread & Pumpkin Bread, and more! Help us in our mission in providing a tasty meal for your family and others.
Our team boxing up meals ready to be donated
Thanksgiving Menu
Our Thanksgiving Menu has a plethora of delicious, gourmet options that are sure to be a hit with your loved ones. Our Classic Meal for 8 includes all of the seasonal staples, such as:
- Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy
- Redskin Mashed Potatoes
- Fran’s Traditional Herb Stuffing
- Green Bean Casserole
- Cranberry Apple Sauce
- Cornbread and Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Pie Truffles
Our Classic Meal for 8
Looking for a little more flexibility? You can order from our a la carte entrées and sides to assemble the perfect Thanksgiving meal alongside some of our signature salads, soups, and hors d’oeuvres! We also have pleasing platters such as our Autumn Focaccia with Dip and Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip in Harvest Bread Bowl for entertaining larger groups. And you simply can’t forget about dessert! From our classic House-Made Pies to our innovative Apple Pie with Cinnamon Roll Crust, you’re sure to find something for everyone’s sweet tooth.
Apple Pie with Cinnamon Roll Crust | V
We also have a brunch selection perfect for the day after Thanksgiving or to prepare for the big day itself, with a selection of Fresh Frittatas, Crème Brulée French Toast, and Spiral Pumpkin Twist.
Spiral Pumpkin Twist | V
With all of this deliciousness, none of it should go to waste! With sustainability in mind, this holiday season, after your Thanksgiving meal with us, you can turn your leftovers into new dishes! Read our blog from last year, all about it. You can transform your leftover Pumpkin Pie into Pumpkin Pie Truffles, Turkey into Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Egg Rolls, and Mashed Potatoes and Stuffing into – you guessed it – Mashed Potato & Stuffing Pancakes! Tried these treats last year? You can also order them on our menu!
 Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Egg Rolls |
 Pumpkin Pie Truffles | V |
 Mashed Potato & Stuffed Pancakes | V |
To make things even easier, orders can be picked up or delivered cold or hot with heating instructions on Wednesday, November 26th, or until 3:00 pm Thursday, November 27th, 2025. Just be sure to place your order by 12:00 pm on Monday, November 24th, 2025.*
*Note: The minimum order for delivery is $400.00 in food & beverage before tax and delivery charge. Orders may be picked up at our commissary using the SHOWROOM DOOR.
We look forward to serving you, your friends, and family this holiday season, and we remain committed to being a part of our community and helping our neighbors in need.
Whole Oven-Roasted Turkey | GF
Contact Us for More Information
Ready to start planning your feast? Contact us today by filling out our online form. We’ll handle all the details, ensuring your Thanksgiving meal is delicious, stress-free, and memorable while serving those in need!
If you have more questions to ask regarding your Thanksgiving catering experience, send us an email at sales@cateredbydesign.com. We look forward to helping you bring your Thanksgiving meal to life, and thank you in advance for your generosity this holiday season.
