SWAMPSCOTT – The Military Friends Foundation piled more than 100 gift boxes outside of 212 Humphrey St. on Tuesday and welcomed Swampscott veterans to come and receive one as their Thanksgiving gift.
The Military Friends Foundation “Hero Meals” program is a way to say “thank you” to those who have protected the United States both at home and abroad. Veterans who signed up for the gifts got a $100 grocery gift card and a gift box with cider, cookies, and nuts. There were 125 Swampscott veterans on the list. On the same day, a similar event was also held in Springfield by the Military Friends Foundation.
The Military Friends Foundation is a recognized 501c3 tax-deductible charitable organization that was Established after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It has provided millions of dollars in direct aid to help military families and families of the fallen.
“We have people here today whose loved ones are actually deployed on the front lines. We have World War II veterans and World War II families. it’s wonderful for us to see all generations.” Said the executive director of the Military Friends Foundation Sarah Sweeney.
Sarah said the foundation raised funds through the Tough Ruck marathon and other programs to organize hero meals. They also received great support locally from Swampscott-Lynn veteran Services, Market Basket, and TD bank.
Hero meals is a year-round program, and they expect to do something similar for the Christmas holiday. David Gustavsen, a veteran who had 32 years of service, shared his experience at the event, “I feel happy that they’re doing this to help the veterans at this time of Thanksgiving.”
He is actively engaged in veterans’ events such as veterans’ coffees which is where he often gets information on more upcoming events. He said the grocery gift card from Market Basket helped him with his spending.
State Representative Jenny Armini was handing out gift boxes to veterans and said thank you.
“Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to honor our veterans and give thanks to them for their incredible service to our country and to our communities. So, it’s a real honor to be here, to actually thank them in person and give them something that will make them happy and joyful over this holiday weekend,” said Armini.
