Printer Friendly Version - Local Sponsors, Twin Pines offer Pre-Ordered Thanksgiving Meals to East Haven Vets, Seniors, Residents in Need

East Haven military veterans and East Haven senior citizens, as well as those residents in town who may be experiencing need, can pre-register to receive a free, take-out Thanksgiving dinner provided by Twin Pines Diner owner Jim Triantis, shown here, as part of an annual effort organized by attorney Andrew Amendola with support of Twin Pines and several local community sponsors. Photo courtesy Twin Pines Diner.

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 fourth 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 Friday, Nov. 10 through Wednesday, Nov. 22. 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.

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.”

Based on last year’s response, Triantis said he’s planning to provide close to 300 meals, and more if needed.

“It’s a good thing and you do it with your heart. It makes me feel good,” said Triantis, whose diner has been a part of the East Haven community for 44 years.

“All these people have been loyal to me, and have supported me a lot. Now, it’s time to give back. I do this because I want to help people, and I’m so happy I can,” said Triantis.