Tewksbury Police Organizations Bringing Thanksgiving To Those In Need

TEWKSBURY, MA — Four police groups within Tewksbury have partnered with a local food pantry to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need, the Tewksbury Police Department has announced.

The Tewksbury Police Benevolent Association, Tewksbury Police Superior Officer's Union, Tewksbury Police Patrolman's Union and Tewksbury Police Athletic League have donated funds to the Tewksbury Community Pantry, which annually donates traditional Thanksgiving meals for the holiday.

The Thanksgiving Family Meal Distribution, which will include turkeys and traditional fixings, will take place from 10 a.m. and noon on Sunday at the Tewksbury Community Food Pantry, located at 999 Whipple Rd.

Local residents are eligible for the meals if they have utilized the pantry for food support in recent months and have provided the necessary documentation in advance of the distribution, organizers said.

"The people at the Tewksbury Community Pantry have worked diligently for years to feed families in need around the holidays. We believe it's a great cause and we're honored to provide assistance any way we can, whether it be by donations or volunteer work," said Sgt. Mike Donovan, president of the Tewksbury Police Benevolent Association and vice president of the Tewksbury Superior Officer's Union.

Todd Johnson, the director of Tewksbury Community Pantry, said he thanked the Tewksbury law enforcement teams for supporting this year's Thanksgiving Family Meal Distribution.

"Their generosity in protecting and serving those in need is an extension of their daily calling," said Johnson, who also volunteers at the food pantry.

Johnson continued: "We all know that inflation is having a huge impact on everyone right now, especially those who struggle to make ends meet, so the financial support provided by the various unions and benevolent organizations associated with our police department comes at a critical time. They each have been reliable supporters and we are extremely grateful for their generosity this year."

Though the Thanksgiving meal distribution is for registered guests only, a spokesman for the food pantry said anyone in need of food assistance should contact the pantry at 978-858-2273.

Callers are asked to leave a message and they will be contacted by somebody from the pantry. Voicemail messages are retrieved weekly, according to the pantry spokesperson.