WestMass ElderCare, Knights of Columbus Partner to Serve Free Thanksgiving Dinner

CHICOPEE — WestMass ElderCare announced its continued partnership with the Knights of Columbus to bring Thanksgiving meals to those in need. For the 47th year, the Knights of Columbus will open its dining room at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, from noon to 2 p.m. to serve a free, hearty Thanksgiving dinner. Additionally, meals will be delivered to individuals who are unable to leave their homes from 8 a.m. to noon.

This tradition welcomes everyone, no questions asked. “Come one, come all” is the message behind the initiative, which has been serving thousands of people each year. Before COVID-19, the event served as many as 3,400 people, and while participation dipped slightly last year, the organizers expect a significant increase this year, especially as families grapple with rising food prices.

The Knights of Columbus work year-round to make this event possible, holding fundraisers to ensure that the Thanksgiving meal, which includes more than 1,000 pounds of turkey and all the classic fixings, is fully funded.

“We look forward to it all year,” said Ron Grenier, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus. “All of us here feel great about it. More people in our organization get together to help out. We have a great time doing it.”

Lisa Lovell, director of Nutrition at WestMass ElderCare, added that “we are honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition that brings comfort and community to so many. The Knights of Columbus’s generosity is inspiring, and together, we’re able to reach people across the region to ensure they feel cared for this Thanksgiving.”

To order a meal for delivery, call the Knights of Columbus at (413) 533-0938 or WestMass ElderCare at (413) 538-9020 by Wednesday, Nov. 20. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help deliver meals should contact the WestMass ElderCare Nutrition Department.