Sixth Annual Holiday Gift Card Program Expands Support For Branford, East Haven Residents in Need

BRANFORD-EAST HAVEN, CT — A grassroots charitable initiative now in its sixth year has raised more funds than ever before to support seniors, veterans, and residents in need during the holiday season through $25 local business gift cards distributed just in time for Christmas.

In East Haven, 500 seniors, veterans, and residents in need will receive gift cards through a program founded by East Haven attorney Andrew Amendola, made possible through the generosity of local donors and the continued support of Twin Pines Diner. Amendola also operates the same program in Branford in partnership with the Parthenon Diner and local donors, raising $10,000 annually since 2020 to assist 500 Branford residents each year.

Amendola launched the initiative during the COVID shutdown in 2020 and has consistently met an annual East Haven fundraising goal of $10,000.

In 2024, the program expanded further, increasing its fundraising goal to $12,500, allowing for the purchase of 500 $25 gift cards.

As part of the holiday gift card initiative, East Haven seniors, veterans, and residents in need who received a free Thanksgiving meal in November 2025 from Twin Pines Diner are eligible to receive one $25 Twin Pines Diner gift card per family. Beginning December 18, 2025, eligible recipients may call 203-468-6887 to confirm eligibility and arrange pickup. Twin Pines Diner is located at 34 Main Street in East Haven.

Beyond Twin Pines Diner, Amendola is coordinating with East Haven Public Schools, Our Lady of Pompeii Church, the East Haven Senior Center, and East Haven veterans’ organizations, each of which will distribute gift cards to individuals they serve as part of their holiday outreach efforts.

Gift cards purchased through the program include those from Stop & Shop, Kohl’s, Five Below, and Twin Pines Diner, ensuring recipients can meet both household and personal needs during the holiday season.

Amendola expressed gratitude to the many donors who made the program possible. This year’s contributors include Jim Triantis, owner of Twin Pines Diner; East Haven attorney Andrew M. Amendola; Albert DeLucia of Porto Funeral Home; Don and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy; Louis Porrello; Lou Pane; Rajula Tandon; Just Smiles Dental; Ron Borruso, CPA, Borruso & Co.; Rich Ammerling of Richlin Home and Auto; and anonymous donors.

Amendola began the free Thanksgiving meal program in 2020, followed by the holiday gift card program later that year and a free Easter meal program launched in 2021. All three initiatives have continued annually in East Haven, fulfilling the vision Amendola had from the outset.

"I do this because to whom much is given, much is expected," said Amendola. "I want to thank the donors and all of the supporters, past and present."