The second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, organized by Centerline Mechanical LLC, a local full-service HVAC company in Hopedale, surpassed its goal of providing Thanksgiving meals to Veterans and their families. In support of Project New Hope, Inc., local contributors donated food items to help the organization continue its mission of assisting Veterans and their families. Project New Hope proudly serves members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Reserves. Last year, the food drive provided over 200 individual food items. This year, $800 in meals were collected which greatly surpasses prior efforts. The students and faculty at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT), along with the rest of the community, helped to make this large donation possible. 

Project New Hope had requested specific items to create a warm Thanksgiving meal for Veterans to enjoy with their families. Each year they hold the “Turkey for Vets” program to give back to the Veterans who have served this country, as well as their families, by providing them with a Thanksgiving meal. Generous donations outpoured from the community and items included cranberry sauce, stuffing, canned green beans and carrots, dinner rolls, apple juice, squash, gravy, and 5 lb bags of potatoes. Additionally, $20 supermarket gift cards were donated, allowing Veterans to select a turkey, ham, fish or other item to complete their Thanksgiving dinner.

“Project New Hope Inc.’s ‘Turkey for Vets’ program is more than just a holiday meal—it’s a way to honor and support veterans and their families during a time of financial uncertainty. By providing traditional Thanksgiving essentials and gift cards, we aim to ease the burden for those who have served, ensuring that they can enjoy a warm and meaningful holiday,” said William H. Moore, Project New Hope Inc. Executive Director, “In a year where inflation has made basic needs harder to meet, we are proud to stand by our veterans, offering both practical support and a message of gratitude for their service and sacrifices.”

In light of “Turkey for Vets” program, Centerline Mechanical was eager to help the organization with this mission. Julian Picard, owner of Centerline Mechanical, is a BVT alumni who graduated from the school’s Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. 

“Our goal is to play a part in making this Thanksgiving the most enjoyable as possible for those who have dedicated all that they had to protect this country,” said Centerline Mechanical LLC owner Julian Picard. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to this food drive, together we were able to serve those who have served.”

This collective effort not only honors the sacrifices of our Veterans, but also reinforces the importance of community and gratitude during this season of giving. 

For more information on Project New Hope, Inc. and their mission to serve Veterans and their families, visit www.projectnewhopema.org.