- Easton City Council candidate Frank Pintabone has announced his 11th annual free turkey giveaway for city residents
- Through partnerships with local businesses, Pintabone said this year's giveaway is the largest yet, with 300 birds for those in need
- Pintabone and his partners are always looking for a helping hand with their efforts, and if you are interested in assisting, you can contact him via email
EASTON, Pa. — An Easton City Council candidate is leading an effort to provide 300 turkeys for families in need this Thanksgiving, spreading holiday joy and promoting a sense of homegrown philanthropy.
Frank Pintabone last week announced his 11th annual turkey giveaway — intended to provide struggling Easton families with a holiday meal — at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Second and Northampton streets in the city.
Among several charitable endeavors spearheaded by Pintabone — a planning commission member and former Easton Area School Board president — the turkey giveaway took shape years ago with a plan to provide Eastonians a helping hand during the holiday season.
In the early years, Pintabone was able to procure a few dozen turkeys, but over time, that has increased exponentially.
“And now we're up to 300 turkeys," said Pintabone, who is running unopposed in Tuesday's election for city council.
"We line up on the corner of Second and Northampton, and you know people that are in need, they know, they reach out to me in October — ‘Hey, when are the turkeys this year?’
"I'm very, very proud that we can help out, and I have some great partners in the community,” Pintabone said, noting Boyle Construction, Alloy5 Architecture and D'Huy Engineering as contributors to the cause.
While a single turkey might not seem like a lot — in 2022, Real Simple noted Americans spend $34.15 on average for a frozen 15-pound turkey, though prices have declined slightly this year.
But just that one little bit of help can go a long way for someone grappling with financial issues, which can easily surge as winter holidays set in, officials say.
Considering the main dish can easily amount to about half of the budget for a Thanksgiving meal, a free turkey can go a long way for a family which could use a bit of extra assistance.
A 'heartwarming thing'
Pintabone also credited longtime friend and former Easton Area School Board Vice President Baron Vanderburg with assisting in the effort to provide for city families during a time of celebration.
“He’s a very close friend,” Pintabone said. “He's been with me from the beginning, lining up in the cold, handing out turkeys.”
Vanderburg said being part of the effort is a “heartwarming thing,” especially during the holidays, when just about everyone can use a little extra help.
“To help out the community this way, to make sure nobody goes without, you can see the gratefulness in the people when you're down around the giveaway."Easton Area School Board Vice President Baron Vanderburg
“To help out the community this way, to make sure nobody goes without, you can see the gratefulness in the people when you're down around the giveaway,” Vanderburg said.
“People are just so grateful, and it puts people in a good mood for the holidays.”
According to Vanderburg, he and Pintabone are always looking for help with the program, which can include handing out the turkeys, or providing other assistance — information on social and job training programs, for example — which could benefit those in need as well.
Anyone interested in pitching in can email the pair at frankpintabone@gmail.com or BLJV2028@gmail.com.
As Pintabone said, offering a helping hand to those in need warms his heart, reminding him about the meaning behind the holiday season — family, friends, and fellowship with all.
“I'm just grateful that God has put me in a position where I can give back to others,” Pintabone said.
