Thanksgiving tradition continues for Open Pantry

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Thanksgiving tradition for more than 25 years continued in Springfield on Thursday.

Volunteers from the Springfield Open Pantry served Turkey dinner to hundreds of people. Most of those at the annual dinner are either homeless or have no one with whom to spend the holiday, but there are some other reasons that people attend.

“In our apartment we have a microwave; we don't have an oven to cook a turkey in. So, we come here and get together with the people; people we haven't seen in a long time,” Joe Benway of Springfield said.

The Open Pantry also serves a community dinner at the High School of Commerce’s cafeteria on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.