SWAMPSCOTT — Military Friends Foundation hosted a Thanksgiving “Hero Meal” event on Tuesday in collaboration with the Lynn-Swampscott Veterans Services, providing $100 gift cards and food to local veterans and military families.
That afternoon, a long line of people had gathered on Humphrey Street for the event, which was scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. Approximately 200 veterans and families were served throughout the evening.
“Today is all about saying, ‘Thank you’ to the people who served and wore the uniform for our country — and it’s a great way to do it around Thanksgiving; there’s no better time,” director of Lynn-Swampscott Veterans Services Mike Sweeney said.
Sweeney continued, saying that the support shown from community members who came from both Lynn and Swampscott to volunteer their time is “a testament to how much people care.”
Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said the show of support for local veterans is a great message to the community, and that it means a lot to him to help provide for them.
“My hat’s off to the veterans, and to the efforts of the Lynn-Swampscott Veterans Services and their peers,” Coppinger said. “It’s only a small token, but we try to do whatever we can… To just give a little during the holiday time; that’s what it’s all about.”
One veteran in line at the event, David Gustavsen, said events like these highlight the appreciation that organizations like the Military Friends Foundation and Lynn-Swampscott Veteran Services have for those who served.
Jason Thompson, who was also in line, said the work the two organizations do for local veterans is priceless.
“It’s amazing — and especially around this time of year with the economy we have — people are struggling, and our veterans need as much support as they can get,” Thompson said.
Volunteer Dan Cote said that, as a veteran, he loves helping out his brothers and sisters within the veteran community.
“Any chance I get to come here and do things like this, I’m going to hop on it and come over,” Cote said. “I’m glad they do things in the community like this; it’s a very good thing to happen.”
Lynn School Committee member Tristan J. Smith, who came to show support for veterans, said, “We’re grateful to our veterans every day of the year, but it fills my heart to be able to participate and say, ‘Thank you’ in a way that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving.”
Military Friends Foundation is providing more than $50,000 in “Hero Meals” support to military families and veterans across Massachusetts, as well as at Hanscom Air Force Base. The endeavor is the foundation’s way of saying “Thank you” to all those who have served and sacrificed.
Hero Meals is a year-round program that accepts donations of restaurant and food gift cards.
