East Haven military veterans and East Haven senior citizens, as well as those residents in town who may be experiencing need, are once again encouraged to sign up to receive a free, take-out Thanksgiving dinner this year from Twin Pines Diner and local sponsors.

This marks the fifth year of the collaborative program. Organizer Andrew M. Amendola has once again teamed up with Twin Pines owner Jim Triantis and a group of community contributors to provide $5,000 worth of free meals.

Those seeking to receive a free take-out Thanksgiving dinner are asked to call to pre-register with Twin Pines at 203-468-6887 beginning Monday, Nov. 18, through Tuesday, Nov. 26. Ask for the manager or owner and provide your name, East Haven address, and telephone number. Registered recipients will be set up with a pre-arranged time to come by to receive freshly prepared meals on Thanksgiving Day for easy and quick pick-up, said Triantis. Diners will have a choice of roast turkey or Virginia ham; the meal will also include all of the trimmings and a piece of pie or cake.

Together with Twin Pines Diner, contributors assisting with financing the free meals include East Haven attorney Andrew M. Amendola, Mark DiLungo of DFG Electric Company, Albert DeLucia of Porto Funeral Home, Neil Angelini of East Haven Dunkin’ Donuts, Don Herzog and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy, Richlin Home and Auto, Rich Ammerling, and Louis Porrello.

Amendola has also raised an additional $5,000 from Branford friends to put on the same type of Thanksgiving program at the Parthenon Diner Restaurant in Branford, with generous assistance from Parthenon owner John Sousoulas.

Amendola started the free holiday meal program at both diners during Thanksgiving in 2020. While it was instituted that year to assist during the pandemic, Amendola’s intent at the time was to make it the annual program that it has become. He also went on to develop similar programs at both diners for Christmas and Easter, which have continued through the years.

Amendola said he is grateful to the diners and donors who have generously continued to support the programs annually.

“I thank the donors and the diners for putting on a great dinner for these individuals,” said Amendola.

Each Thanksgiving, Triantis provides an average of 300 to 350 meals each year through this program, he said.

“It’s one of the best things we feel we do for our loyal customers and all the people who have supported us for the last 45 years,” said Triantis. “Now, it’s time to give back. I do this because I want to help people, and I’m so happy I can.”

Twin Pines Diner is located at 34 Main Street in East Haven.