PAPA, area organizations partner to feed 200 families for Thanksgiving

Lurdes C. da Silva, O Jornal
Updated ·3 min read

NEW BEDFORD - The Portuguese-American Police Association (PAPA) teamed up with several local organizations to feed area families in need this Thanksgiving.

On Monday, PAPA members were busy delivering 200 turkeys along with all the trimmings needed to make a Thanksgiving meal.

The Immigrants’ Assistance Center in New Bedford received 100 turkeys to distribute among their clients with lower incomes. The remaining turkeys and trimmings were donated to the Azorean Cultural Society, the Veterans Association of Bristol County, Steppingstone Inc., New Bedford Police Department’s LEAD Program and PACE, Inc.

“It is extremely important for us to help our community in any way possible,” said PAPA’s President Russell Marques, a sergeant with the New Bedford Police Department. “Famine in this country and in Massachusetts is widespread amongst the cities and towns we represent.”

PAPA is open to all law enforcement officers, active or retired, from municipal police officers to federal agents who are of Portuguese descent or who hail from Portuguese-speaking countries. The Massachusetts Chapter was established in 1994.

PAPA’s Thanksgiving Drive was started about a decade ago.

“We feel an obligation or duty to help those who are less fortunate and in need,” Marques said. “Although this is a yearly concern, it really hits home knowing that there are families who may not have a hot Thanksgiving meal to share this time of year.”

Helena da Silva Hughes, president and CEO of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, said PAPA’s donation “makes a huge impact,” relieving the burden of stress for families facing financial difficulties by providing a Thanksgiving meal.

“It’s amazing. Every year, we can count on PAPA to come through and donate turkeys for our families,” she said. “We’re forever grateful. They do it in such a quiet fashion. They don’t do it for recognition; they just do it because they understand the need.”

New Bedford police dispatcher Zyre Andrade and his father State Police officer Chris Andrade, of PAPA (Portuguese American Police Association), donate to the Immigrants' Assistance Center in New Bedford enough food items to make one hundred Thanksgiving Day meals. These items were purchased with money which PAPA generated in fundraisers throughout the year and assistance from the Walmart in Dartmouth.

Due to rising inflation, there is an increased need for food donations this year, she pointed out.

“The number of families who need help is getting higher and higher,” she said.

With the help of the United Way, the IAC was also able to give away 100 Thanksgiving food baskets, which included a $15 gift card instead of a turkey.

In addition to the Thanksgiving Turkey give-away, PAPA will be hosting a Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 56 Holly St., New Bedford. There will be two seatings – one at 9 a.m. and the other at 10:30 a.m.

“The money raised helps us buy toys for Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army, as they distribute them to area children that would otherwise not have presents,” Marques said.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children aged 7 to 12 and free for children 6 and under. To purchase tickets, contact 774-263-8564.

During the breakfast, all children under 12 receive a gift from Santa.

“It is our deep sense of commitment and love for the community we serve that drives us to continue helping those that are in need,” said Marques.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Portuguese American Police Association provides free Thanksgiving meals