Candles are placed near a bench during the Chicago Vigil for Black Lives in Union Park on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

ENGLEWOOD — The Black Hammer Organization’s Chicago chapter is holding a Christmas Eve vigil to remember the city’s coronavirus victims.

The vigil is 4 p.m. Thursday at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. It’s part of a nationwide event to help people still reeling from a pandemic that has taken so much, said Benjamin Oju, Black Hammer Chicago organizer.

There have been at least 3,966 deaths from COVID-19 in Chicago and 195,982 confirmed cases. Statewide, more than 15,400 people have been killed.

“It’s important because we know how much people need to breathe and mourn, even as they’re being told to shop and vote and carry on as usual,” said Oju, who is grieving the loss of his own loved ones this year.

Votive candles will be available to attendees. Black Hammer Chicago will give away clothes, groceries and masks at the event to people in need as part of their ongoing mutual aid effort.

A Block Club subscription is an excellent gift. Get a subscription now and you’ll get a free tote bag — and you’ll help us reach our goal of 15,000 subscribers by the beginning of 2021. We’re almost there! Subscribe or buy a subscription as a gift here.

Already subscribe? Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.

jamie@blockclubchi.orgnnjamie@blockclubchi.org Twitter @thewayoftheid