RANDOLPH, MA - This Thanksgiving marks the 41st anniversary of Lombardo’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. The Lombardo Family sent over 1,200 tickets to local senior centers and Salvation Army facilities in the greater Boston Area and South Shore to join them on this holiday. The Lombardo family along with their staff and over 125 volunteers facilitate the setup, food preparation and service every year. They anticipate this year will bring the highest attendance yet.

This tradition began over four decades ago by Salvatore Lombardo and his mother, Nina, who decided to serve a Thanksgiving dinner to those in need. They would have never imagined that this rich tradition would continue for the next 40 years. This year’s dinner will be made of 420 pounds of turkey, 300 pounds of potatoes, 20 gallons of gravy, 10 cases of pasta with 35 gallons of delicious marinara sauce and 150 pies, all of which will not to go to waste.

Paula Lombardo oversees the event these days, along with help from her family including her mother, Mabel Lombardo, and nine grandchildren, enjoying the legacy of a husband, a father and a grandfather as they make a difference in the lives of those who attend. It has been four years since Salvatore passed and Paula Lombardo says, “Our family feels very blessed to be able to continue this tradition that started 40 years ago. We cannot begin our family Thanksgiving Day celebration without starting our day at Lombardo’s at this annual event. The centers that distribute our tickets are requesting more tickets each year, and we comply. We never turn anyone away.”

The Lombardo’s stress that this event is never possible without the assistance from their staff and volunteers. These dedicated volunteers range from Firefighters to Girl Scouts and include Lombardo’s staff and local families, all who work hard to provide a delicious dinner and memorable holiday for local elderly, homeless and needy. Lombardo’s will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2013.