Each year, the Rindge Athletic Men’s Social Club purchases and delivers turkeys to veterans in town. This year, thanks to donations from businesses, they were able to include essentially a whole dinner.

On Sunday morning, the club gathered at the Rindge Diner to distribute a total of 45 Thanksgiving packages, including the all-important Butterball turkey, for club members to deliver across town.

In addition to distributing 33 turkeys to veterans, they also had 12 turkeys to deliver to the local food pantry, donated back to the club by veterans who for one reason or another didn’t have a need for one this year.

In addition to the turkeys, the club this year was able to provide extras, including stuffing, potatoes and canned goods, as well as a loaf of homemade pumpkin bread.

“This is the first time we’ve put together a full meal,” said club Treasurer Karl Pruter.

President Matt Mire said that since the 2020 pandemic, food costs have gone up, and it has been more difficult to secure the amount of turkeys needed to provide them for their identified list of veterans in town. This year, the club sent letters to businesses across town, and with the resulting donations, as well as some from individuals, they were not only able to get the main dish, but the sides. 

“They’ve been very generous with their support,” said member David Drouin.

The tradition has been an ongoing effort for the club for about 15 years, a way to honor veterans on Veterans Day and make sure they’re remembered for the holidays.

“The smile, and the gratitude,” said Mire, about why the club was determined to keep the tradition going. “Some of the older people don’t get out much, and it’s like you’re a ray of sunshine on a Sunday morning.”

“It’s pretty humbling,” said Drouin.

Dave Trieb said that goal of the club includes reaching out and doing things for the community, and that’s what this is to him.

“And to just let them know they haven’t been forgotten,” said club Secretary Rob Clark.

Among the members delivering turkeys on Sunday was Joshua Dipasquale, who is a second-generation member of the club, who began the tradition as a child tagging along with his father. Clark said he’s glad that the tradition has gone on long enough that it’s become a generational thing.

“My own kids have been involved – it’s something that we want to pass on,” Clark said.

The Rindge Athletic Men’s Social Club, in conjunction with TD Bank, is currently seeking nominations for its Citizen of the Year and Youth Citizen of the Year. To submit a nomination, visit the TD Bank Rindge branch for a nomination form.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She's on X @AshleySaariMLT.