By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Marlborough Firefighters Local 1714 IAFF spend their working hours ready to help people, usually in emergency situations, and many extend the nature of their jobs into their personal lives. They take great pride and enjoyment in delivering holiday dinners to several of the city’s low-income families in need, a practice they started last year.
“We really enjoyed bringing Thanksgiving dinners to some of city families that can use a little help,” said Bob Dolan, the project’s chair. “They are all so grateful and they show their appreciation in many ways. Our slogan is ‘From our family to yours’.
Exemplifying their slogan was Dolan having his grandson, Tyler Patrick, accompany him when buying the food.
“He really enjoyed being a part of it all,” said the proud grandfather.
Firefighter Ken Macewen delivered dinners with the help of his sons, Mason and Riley, who are ready to help out at Christmas, too, he noted. Meals include appetizers, ham or turkey with all the fixings, drinks, and desserts.
Helping the firefighters Marlborough Firefighters Local 1714 IAFF designate families who would benefit from receiving the food are Patty Zilembo, director of Countryside Village in Marlborough; and Carol Callahan of Northeast Veterans Outreach Center, also in Marlborough.
William Taylor, president of the Marlborough Firefighters and Dolan extended “an enormous thank you” to management of the local Price Chopper supermarket for their generosity in facilitating the event, along with other local businesses that helped make the recent Thanksgiving meal team effort successful. They are all looking forward to this year’s Christmas meal giving.
In addition to the holiday meal program, local firefighters support the annual Evening of Giving that benefits Roland’s House, the Marlborough–Hudson homeless shelter; youth and high school sports; civic fundraisers; and scholarships to local students. They also support the Muscular Dystrophy Association by sponsoring the voluntary toll road event and an annual golf tournament.
