State Sen. Adam Gómez, State Rep. Orlando Ramos and volunteers from the Indian Orchard Citizens Council hold some of the turkeys that were given away on Nov. 24.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
SPRINGFIELD — Eating turkey on Thanksgiving is a tradition for many in America, but for families who are facing food insecurity, the cost of a turkey dinner may be out of reach.
To help address that, state Sen. Adam Gómez once again took up the call, handing out 1,000 turkeys to people in Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee during the Annual Hampden District Turkey Drive.
Turkeys were distributed, first come, first served, in eight neighborhoods across Springfield, including Mason Square, Forest Park and Indian Orchard. They were also given out in Holyoke and Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Gómez, who was joined by state Rep. Orlando Ramos at the Indian Orchard Citizens Council, said the turkey drive has been ongoing for more than 15 years. Years before he joined the Springfield City Council or ran for the state Senate, Gómez worked with friends, family and “some guys from the neighborhood” to give turkeys to families in need. Since then, the turkey drive has expanded to include people families from around the Hampden Senate District.
The national average for the cost of turkey this November was $1.32 per pound, 40% more than this time last year. To purchase the 1,000 turkeys that were handed out, the drive was sponsored by several local businesses, and people were able to make monetary donations though a collaboration with the nonprofit Urban Impact Initiative Massachusetts. Gómez then partnered with a turkey farm to provide the birds. Additionally, Springfield business Dave’s Truck Repair donated 50 turkeys.
“This drive is about more than just food — it’s about dignity, compassion and community,” said Gómez. “By bringing these events directly into our neighborhoods, we ensure that families can access what they need without barriers.”
