With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the East Haven Rotary Club is busy preparing for its 12th annual Thanksgiving dinner program, an initiative that provides a full turkey dinner with all of the fixings to residents in need.

“Knowing we are helping people in East Haven who are either alone, are shut-ins, or don’t have the means to celebrate in a nice way is wonderful,” said Beth Capotorto, who is chairing the program. “It’s a need we are able to fill.”

Capotorto has been involved with the Thanksgiving dinner program for the past three years, seeing a great need for it as there are currently 220 meals scheduled to be provided. Last year, the Rotary provided 235 meals to those in need.

Those wishing to register to receive a meal must do so by Thursday, Nov. 15 by contacting Ashley Lesco at 203-906-6124 or ashant61805@yahoo.com. Those who register can then pick up their meal at the East Haven Senior Center, 91 Taylor Avenue, on Thanksgiving Day from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or request home delivery.

Capotorto noted that nearly all of the members of the East Haven Rotary Club participate in this program. They have also worked closely with a group of volunteers who handles the delivery for many years.

“It’s a giant team effort and there are a lot of people involved in making this happen,” said Capotorto. “We open the Senior Center at 7 a.m. to prepare the meals—they’re put together in a big assembly line, so that is fun.”

While Capotorto chairs this event, she notes that the Rotary gives back in many ways throughout the year, while also hosting several fundraisers to support this initiative and others. She encourages people to get involved in the Rotary, which meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Twin Pines Diner.

“It’s a very welcoming group and we’re always happy to have new members,” she said. “The Rotary is all about serving our community, but it’s a lot of fun and there is a lot of camaraderie. [Participating in events like the Thanksgiving dinner program] makes you feel good that you’ve had a part in making someone’s day on Thanksgiving.”

To sign up to receive a Thanksgiving meal from the East Haven Rotary Club, contact Ashley Lesco at 203-906-6124 or ashant61805@yahoo.com. To donate, mail a check payable to East Haven Rotary Club, Inc. “Thanksgiving Donation” c/o Carl Ruggiero, 12 Oak Hill Drive, East Haven, CT 06513. The Rotary is an approved 501c3 corporation. For information on the Rotary, visit easthavenrotary.org.