Meriden Police Cadets Participate In Turkey Give Away

Information via Meriden Police Department

MERIDEN, CT — On Saturday November 20, 2021, the cadets from the Meriden Police Cadets program will be assisting in the delivery of 1000 Thanksgiving turkeys to local area charities. The selected charities will then distribute the turkeys to those in need right here in the Meriden area.

This incredible effort has been made possible due to the extremely generous donation made by Hometown Foundation, Inc., which is a non-profit charitable organization based in Cheshire Connecticut. The Hometown Foundation is committed to supporting those in need in conjunction with “Bozzuto’s,” it’s family of retailers, and other community business partners.

The Hometown Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with the Connecticut State Police Academy Alumni Association Museum & Educational Center, located right here in Meriden, distribute the turkeys annually and Jerry Longo from the Connecticut State Police Academy Alumni Association Museum selected the City of Meriden as the recipient of this years generous donation. Members of the Meriden Police Cadets then jumped right into action to make sure that this years event was a giant success.

A lot of hard work and effort was required on the part of the Meriden Police Cadets; most notably, Captain Leslie Melenciano, who has been a member of the Meriden Police Cadets program for several years and is now attending college. Leslie, along with numerous other cadets from the program, applied for and received a youth services mini-grant which was offered through the Meriden Department of Health and HumanServices. The money awarded through this grant was used to purchase tables, gloves, and to secure a 26’ foot U-Haul truck needed for the giveaway.

Since 1,000 turkeys, or approximately 7 and a half tons of birds will be brought to Meriden from New Haven, a second U-Haul truck was needed. The Meriden Police Department would like to thank U-Haul for their generous donation of a second 26’ truck which will be needed due to the extremely large load of food that will be delivered. We sincerely appreciate their kindness.

At a time when so many families are struggling and dealing with the emotional and financial burdens caused by the Covid pandemic, the Meriden Police Department is extremely proud and honored to be the recipient of such a generous donation.

Special thanks go out to all of the Cadets involved in the Meriden Police Cadets program. Their hard work and can-do attitude will ensure that many families in need this year will have a hot and delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks also go out to The Hometown Foundation, Inc. as well as to Jerry Longo and the staff at the Connecticut State Police Academy Alumni Association Museum & Educational Center for their extreme generosity.