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11/10/2022 05:10 PMEast Haven military veterans and East Haven senior citizens, as well as those residents in town who may be experiencing need, are encouraged to sign up to receive a free, take-out Thanksgiving dinner this year from Twin Pines Diner.
This marks the third 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 Thanksgiving dinner are asked to call to pre-register with Twin Pines at (203) 468-6887 beginning Monday, Nov. 14 through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Ask for the manager or owner and provide your name, address, and telephone number. Registered recipients will then be given a pre-arranged time to pick up their meals for the holiday. 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.
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, Ken Horton of Horton Enterprises, Albert DeLucia of Porto Funeral Home, Neil Angelini of East Haven Dunkin’ Donuts, Don Herzog and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy, 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 which it has become. He also went on to develop similar programs at both diners for Christmas and Easter which have also continued through the years.
Amendola said he is grateful to the diners and donors who have generously continued to support the programs annually.
“I’d like to thank the loyal donors for the past couple of years and hopefully they will continue to donate in future years, as this will be an ongoing event,” said Amendola. “I thank the donors and the diners for putting on a great dinner for these individuals.”
Triantis thanked Amendola for instituting the program and keeping it going.
“Without Andy Amendola, none of this would be happening. He’s a special person. I love that he brought this program to me and to the people of this town,” said Triantis.
Based on last year’s response, Triantis said he’s planning to provide close to 300 meals, and more if needed.
“Last year I was there to give them out, and people were so happy. It makes a difference. I want to make them happy,” said Triantis.
Twin Pines Diner is located at 34 Main Street in East Haven. Now in business for over four decades, Triantis said he feels blessed that this restaurant has always had the support of the community.
“We never closed, not even during the pandemic. The people have been so loyal to me and so good,” said Triantis.