Maddon's 'Thanksmas' aids Chicago homeless

Travis Wood, Pierce Johnson and Zac Rosscup (L to R) serving food at Joe Maddon's "Thanksmas." (MLB.com)CHICAGO -- Homemade meatballs and pierogies were on the menu Wednesday night as part of Cubs manager Joe Maddon's "Thanksmas" dinner, organized through the Chicago Help Initiative and served to about 135 homeless people.

"To be able to serve food for the less fortunate is huge," said Anthony Rizzo, who helped distribute dessert. "For us to come in and pick them up a little bit is nice for them, and good for us, too."

Maddon recalled seeing people who were struggling while he rode his bike in Southern California when he was the Angels' bench coach. He started Thanksmas in 2007 in St.…