Commissioner Clapprood, Sheriff Cocchi, Ret. Colonel Gilpin and Mayor Sarno Team Up to
Provide Food for those in need of a Holiday Meal
Springfield, Mass — Law enforcement leaders and the Honorable Mayor Domenic J. Sarno teamed up this holiday season to provide meals for up to 200 families in need of a Christmas dinner.
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Retired Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi continued their tradition of helping feed those in need this holiday season. This year Mayor Sarno joined with these law enforcement leaders as they along with members of the Springfield Police Department, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Big Y and Massachusetts Military Support Foundation distributed turkeys, hams, canned goods and toys Wednesday December 22 at the Springfield Police Training Facility located at 299 Page Boulevard.
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said, “This holiday season along with Retired Colonel Gilpin, Sheriff Cocchi and now Mayor Sarno we will continue this tradition of helping families in need. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of Springfield’s own Big Y, Pekarski Sausage and the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation. We can’t thank them enough.”
“As this pandemic drags on, a lot of families are in a dangerous place when it comes to being able to provide for themselves and their loved ones,” said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi. “We appreciate Big Y and the other community partners for stepping up to help our neighbors in need this holiday season. It’s one thing to say you’re invested in the community, and it’s another thing to show it.”
“I am truly honored to team up with Mayor Sarno, Sheriff Cocchi and Commissioner Clapprood to give back to our community during this holiday season,” said Kerry Gilpin, partner at Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting and retired Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police. “I appreciate Big Y and Michael Pekarski at Pekarski Sausage in South Deerfield for their generosity to help make this happen. Their willingness to put people ahead of profits will truly make a difference for so many local families and that’s what the holidays should be about.”
Mayor Sarno states, “Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood and I want to again thank Big Y President Charlie D’Amour and Pekarski Sausage for their very generous and heartfelt donation so that we can provide a nice Christmas dinner for those families in need this holiday season. I am proud to join with
Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Sheriff Nick Cocchi and retired Colonel Kerry Gilpin as we continue this special holiday tradition with our brave and dedicated public safety officials.”
In addition to Mayor Sarno, Retired Col. Gilpin, Sheriff Cocchi and Commissioner Clapprood this is made possible by the generosity of Springfield’s own Big Y and its President Charlie D’Amour and Michael Pekarski at Pekarski Sausage in South Deerfield.
The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. also generously donated toys to be distributed to families with children for Christmas. In Springfield they are located at 1655 Boston Road and if you are a veteran they would love to speak with you. More information can be found at MMSFI. Org
