CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – More families in Hampden County will get help this year for Thanksgiving. Small business owners and local elected officials are teaming up for a turkey drive in Hampden County.

State Senator Adam Gomez announced that he has expanded the annual Turkey Drive in order to serve more families throughout the Hampden District. The Turkey Drive will serve about 500 families and will be made available at various locations from November 18th – November 21st.
Families are asked to bring proof of residency in Springfield or Chicopee, in addition to proof of receiving public assistance (i.e. SNAP, MassHealth card, etc.), to the Turkey Drive locations.

The following are turkey drive dates and locations:

  • Friday, November 18 at 1 PM – Borichino Restaurant: 497 Belmont Ave., Springfield
  • Saturday, November 19 at 10 AM – Deberry School: 670 Union St., Springfield
  • Saturday, November 19 at 10 AM – Lids Liv Well: 45 Perkins St., Chicopee
  • Sunday, November 20 at 1 PM – Jackalope Restaurant: 254 Worthington St., Springfield
  • Monday, November 21 at 4 PM – New Homes Realty Group: 906 Carew St., Springfield

“This Turkey Drive all started with the efforts of Jose Claudio and Paul Ramesh”, said State Senator Adam Gomez. “I’m proud to be a part of the Drive’s expansion. This is 20 years in the making! I want to thank all of our sponsors on making this year’s Hampden District Turkey Drive a reality and a success,” said Gomez. “In a time when inflation has deeply impacted our lower income communities, many Hampden District families can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy a turkey meal on Thanksgiving.” 

This was one of their biggest fundraising years, however they’re offering 500 turkeys on a budget that would have accounted for 1,000 last year.

“Helping people is something that myself and my colleagues has been instrumental and the reason why we put ourselves forward to become elected officials. Giving back a little bit regardless of the cost is so important so they know they have that support,” said Gomez.