Printer Friendly Version - $10,000 in $20 Gift Certificates Headed to East Haven Residents in Need

Following on the heels of the second annual free seniors/veterans Thanksgiving meal program coordinated with Twin Pines Diner, East Haven attorney Andrew Amendola has gathered $10,000 in support from the combined contributions of several local business owners and individuals to provide 500 $20 gift cards given out through programs which support residents in need. Twin Pines, which provided over 200 Thanksgiving meals, is offering each family which received a free meal a $20 gift certificate for the holidays.Pam Johnson/East Haven Courier

For a second year, $10,000 will be given out as 500 $20 gift cards for residents in need, just in time for Christmas; thanks to a grassroots effort started by a local attorney and supported by local donors, merchants, and Twin Pines Diner.

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. The effort follows up a second year of free Thanksgiving meals provided through a similar effort organized by Amendola, community contributors and Twin Pines Diner. As part of the holiday gift card program, those East Haven seniors and veterans (one per family) who received a free Thanksgiving meal in November from Twin Pines will receive a free $20 Twin Pines gift card.

In addition to working with Twin Pines Diner, Amendola is coordinating with East Haven Public Schools, Our Lady of Pompeii Church, East Haven Food Pantry, East Haven Senior Center, and East Haven veterans' organizations so that each will receive gift cards to give out to those they serve, as part of their holiday outreach programs.

In all, 500 $20 gift cards have been purchased including those for Stop & Shop, Walmart, Kohls, 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 to assist Branford seniors, veterans and residents in need.

Amendola thanks the generous donors who joined in assisting him with making monetary contributions to bring about this month's holiday gift card effort. Program donors Jim Triantis, owner of Twin Pines Diner; Albert DeLucia of Porto Funeral Home; Mark DiLungo of DFJ Electric; Ken Horton of Horton Group LLC; Don and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy; attorney Andrew M. Amendola; Louis Porrello; Bill and Jim Dornfeld of W.J. Dornfeld Co. Inc.; Anthony Serio; and Ron Borruso, CPA Borruso & Co.

Triantis said the second annual Thanksgiving dinner program provided more than 200 free meals to East Haven seniors, veterans, and others who were in need on Nov. 25. For the holiday gift certificate program, Twin Pines will give one card per family to each family that was registered to receive a free Thanksgiving meal. Beginning Monday, Dec. 13, family representatives are welcome to stop by Twin Pines Diner, 34 Main Street, or call 203-468-6887 to arrange to receive their $20 holiday gift certificate.

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.

"I've been here over 40 years, and I appreciate what people have done for me," said Triantis. "They've all been so good and so loyal. They come and support me, so I think it's nice when I'm able to give back. I'm happy doing that."