Free turkeys for veterans event in Ludlow

LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Veteran Service Officers distributed turkeys to veterans in Ludlow on Thursday.

The sun was shining the the parking lot was full of cars lined up, to get loaded up with a Thanksgiving meal. With just one week before Thanksgiving, the Ludlow Veterans Services and the Western Massachusetts Services Officers Association teamed up to give deserving veterans a turkey, a fresh apple pie. and a bag of thanksgiving food items at no cost.

“This is a perfect time, just right after Veterans day, to be able to provide them a meal and say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ We are here for you and we are going to take care of you for this Thanksgiving,” said Eric Segundo, Director of Veterans Services in Ludlow.

This is the fourth annual turkey distribution in Ludlow and thanks to local businesses and volunteers, this is the biggest it’s ever been.

This turkey giveaway benefits more than just the Ludlow community. Veterans as far as North Adams are getting Thanksgiving meals. In total, more than 12,300 pounds of food have been distributed.

Don Partartage of Chicopee served in the Army in Germany. He’s grateful for the meal he was given, “This is wonderful for us guys. We really appreciate it. From way down, deep. Thank you very much, that’s all I can say. It’s wonderful.”

Volunteers like Glen Deblois worked hard but happy to help his fellow veterans, “They gave up a lot to do their time. Any help we can give them is great, you know? They need it, they deserve it.”

Organizers thankful for the turn out and the meaningful purpose of giving back.

“It is heart-felt, the warm feeling inside to know that this community, this area supports our Veterans tremendously,” said Segundo.