TURNERS FALLS — The Heartwing Center is looking to raise $4,800 to support another year of distributing free frozen turkeys to families in need this Thanksgiving, featuring support from New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales.
According to Heather Wood, executive director of The Heartwing Center, financial pressures this season are impacting local organizations and businesses, but the organization working with Borregales, I Love Boston Sports, has already agreed to support the turkey drive by bringing back the Patriots player.
Last year, more than 100 people helped support the turkey giveaway outside The Heartwing Center’s headquarters on Third Street. Volunteers from the center, as well as The Brick House Community Resource Center and Franklin County Technical School’s football team, came out to help support the distribution of the turkeys. Borregales provided the star power to draw in volunteers, organizers and attendees.
In total, 200 turkeys were distributed for free to families in need of one for Thanksgiving.
“I try to give back as much as possible, get involved with the community, and at the end of the day, I’m a firm believer you’ve got to give back, no matter what,” Borregales said in an interview at the time. He signed footballs, jerseys and other Patriots memorabilia while helping to hand out the turkeys.
With the holiday coming around once again, The Heartwing Center hopes to purchase and distribute 200 turkeys this year as well.
“We understand that the same financial pressures affecting this event are also affecting local businesses and the families we serve. That is why we hope to share the cost among a small group of community partners rather than ask any one organization to carry it alone,” Woods wrote in a letter, which she sent to local businesses. “We do not want to miss this opportunity to bring our neighbors together or disappoint the community members for whom last year’s event meant so much.”
According to an October report by ABC News about Thanksgiving food prices, the consulting firm PwC said consumers can expect an 8% increase in turkey costs from 2025, with cranberry costs up 15% due to a smaller harvest and increased production costs.
Woods explained in her letter that any contributions will help ensure the continued success of the turkey distribution.
“Whether this would be a first opportunity to participate or a continuation of generosity, we would be grateful to have folks join us,” Woods writes.
Woods said there is no immediate deadline for donations, and the hope is to have the frozen turkeys in hand a few days before Thanksgiving on Monday, Nov. 23. To arrange donations, Woods can be contacted at 413-210-6379 or heather@heartwingcenter.org.
Donations can also be made online at tinyurl.com/7ppaf38n and checks can be sent to The Heartwing Center, P.O. Box 792, Turners Falls, MA 01376.
