A grassroots effort started by a local attorney and supported by local donors and Twin Pines Diner to give free Thanksgiving meals to East Haven seniors and veterans is branching out to support more folks in town in time for Christmas.

East Haven attorney Andrew Amendola has gathered $10,000 in support from the combined contributions of several local business owners and individuals in order to offer local gift cards that will be given out through local programs to residents supported by those groups. In addition, verified individuals (one per family) who contacted Twin Pines to receive a free Thanksgiving meal in November will be contacted to receive a $20 Twin Pines gift card, as well as a second $20 gift card for use at a local store, to use in time for Christmas for their family.

As part of his effort to branch out to reach more East Haven residents and families in need, in addition to working with Twin Pines Diner, Amendola has contacted East Haven Public Schools, Our Lady of Pompeii Church and East Haven Senior Center with news that the grassroots program will be providing a windfall of gift cards for each group to give away as part of their holiday outreach to those in need.

In all, 500 $20 gift cards have been purchased and will provided for distribution and local shopping at businesses including Stop & Shop, Walmart, Kohls, Dunkin' Donuts and Twin Pines Diner, said Amendola. Amendola has also put together a similar program in Branford with the Parthenon Diner and several local donors in order to provide another $10,000 in gift cards.

Amendola thanks the generous donors who joined in assisting him with making monetary contributions to bring about the Branford Christmas effort. Program donors are attorney Andrew Amendola, Jim Triantis, owner of Twin Pines Diner, Neil Angelini of Dunkin' Donuts, Louis Porrello of Industrial Recycling, Ron Borrusso CPA, Mark Dilungo of DFG Electric Co., Gerard Bianco, Anthony Bianco and Lou Rivera of A&G Contracting, Ken Horton of Horton Group LLC, Albert DeLucia of Porto Funeral Home, Don Herzog and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy.

Triantis said he was happy to assist Amendola with the Thanksgiving dinner program, which provided some 300 free meals to East Haven seniors and veterans. As previously reported, the Thanksgiving effort was organized by Amendola, with assistance from Triantis and a small group of local donors who quickly helped reach a goal of $5,000. Additionally, Amendola gathered $5,000 in contributions from local sponsors to run a similar Thanksgiving program in Branford at the Parthenon Diner.

Triantis established Twin Pines Diner in East Haven 40 years ago after working his way up through the restaurant business by starting out as dishwasher (he jokes he's handled enough dishes to pave a road from East Haven to his native country, Greece). Triantis said he's grateful to be able to assist Amendola with another program that will help to support local residents who need a little help making ends meet.

"With winter coming, I'm sure they're going to appreciate it," said Triantis. "When you're able to help people that need it, there can't be anything better than that."

Amendola said the free Thanksgiving meals and Holiday Gift Card programs will continue as annual events.