Printer Friendly Version - Parthenon Diner and Community Supporters to Offer Free Easter Take-Out Meals for Branford Vets, Seniors, Residents in Need

On April 9, John Sousoulas (left) and Kostas Sousoulas (right) of Branford's Parthenon Diner will have free take-out Easter dinners ready for pick-up by Branford military veterans, elderly residents or in-need community members who've called the diner to register in advance between March 30 and April 7. Parethon is offering the Branford program for the third year in a row, organized by East Haven attorney Andrew Amendola with help from the diner and community sponsors. File Photo by Pam Johnson/The Sound

On Easter Sunday, April 9, Parthenon Diner of Branford and community sponsors will once again provide free, take-out Easter holiday dinners for pick-up by those Branford military veterans, elderly residents or in-need community members who've called in advance to register for the program. Call-in registration opens Thursday, March 30 and ends Friday, April 7.

The free Easter dinner program is now in its third year. It’s organized annually by East Haven attorney Andrew Amendola, with sponsorship help from Parthenon owner John Sousoulas and other community sponsors.

Amendola said community sponsor donations will also help deliver over 100 Easter baskets to Branford kids in need. The baskets will be distributed in advance of Easter through organizations including Branford Counseling & Community Center, Branford Early Learning Center, Feed Branford Kids and St. Mary's Church.

Amendola raised $4,000 in funding for this year's Branford Easter program. In addition to the support provided by Sousoulas and Parthenon Diner, Branford Easter program sponsors are Andrew Amendola, Don and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy, Jim Civitello of Enson's Menswear, Ryan Torello of Progressive Benefits Solutions, Dr. Rajula Tandon and "...an anonymous, honorable, loyal and long-time supporter," said Amendola.

Amendola also thanks East Haven residents Cheryl Cooper Tardif and Liz Franco-Spano for their Easter basket assistance.

Since November of 2020, Amendola has worked with Sousoulas and community sponsors to offer many hundreds of free holiday meal programs to local residents in need at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Amendola has matched that generosity by gathering the same amount of funding for holiday support for East Haven vets, seniors, and other citizens in need, working with the owner of Twin Pines Diner in East Haven, Jim Triantis.

Amendola said he organizes the holiday programs "...because there's a need, and because I can. ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Including past Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter efforts, this year's Easter program marks Parthenon's ninth consecutive holiday meal collaboration with Amendola.

Parthenon Diner is offering recipients their choice of Easter dinner with baked ham or roasted turkey, together with sides of potato, vegetable and a dessert. For each holiday program, Sousoulas said he puts on extra cooks on and buys extra food, “...so we can prepare everything and have everything be perfect.”

To receive a free, take-out dinner on Easter Sunday from Parthenon Diner, Branford military veterans, senior citizens and residents in need are asked to call to register in advance, beginning Thursday March 30, and no later than Friday, April 7. Call (203) 481-0333, ask for the manager or owner, and provide your name, address and telephone number for verification. Staff will then provide callers with an April 9 pick-up time of between 10 a.m. - noon, so that fast pick-up service can be provided. Branford's Parthenon Diner is located at 374 East Main Street.

Sousoulas said Parthenon diner, now a part of the community for 37 years, is always willing to give back.

“As always, it’s about us giving back to the community that has treated us so well all these years,” said Sousoulas. “It’s all about helping people that need the most in times like this. And, we really enjoy doing it.”