American Legion Brightens Holiday with Thanksgiving Meals

By Robert Chartuk | Nov 22, 2023 | Local

| Robert Chartuk

Arthur H. Clune American Legion Post 1533 was buzzing over the weekend as a distribution point for hundreds of turkeys and complete Thanksgiving meals that went out through other posts and community organizations.

A crew headed by Past Commander John DiDiego and Bonnie Kojan was up early to pick up all of the ingredients from the 911 Veterans organization in Lindenhurst and set everything up in Mastic Beach. Dozens of volunteers, including Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and town Supervisor Ed Romaine, swooped in to fill bags to go out to families in need. Volunteers from the American Legion Post in Port Jefferson were on hand to bring some meals up to the North Shore, along with Suffolk AmVets, Colonial Youth, Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Club, and Community Counseling Too volunteers, who fanned out to brighten the Thanksgiving holiday for hundreds of families.

“The annual giveaway grows in size each year and we appreciate the efforts of our veterans, residents, and local officials who step up to make sure everyone’s holiday is bright,” said Clune Post Commander Rick Rossi.