West Side Tavern/Ceglarz Auto Thanksgiving Food Drive
By Robin Vinci | Editor at November 21, 2023 | 9:45 am | Print
Owners of two of New Britain’s businesses will be collecting food in order to help the City’s needy celebrate with a Thanksgiving dinner.
On Saturday, West Side Tavern and Ceglarz Automotive will be collecting turkeys and other holiday foods from noon to 5 p.m.
“I always want to help the community and Thanksgiving is a family day and a lot people don’t have the money to celebrate,” said Isaac Silva, owner of West Side Tavern. “We decided we wanted to do something nice for the community. We thought we would get this food and donate it.”
Peter Ceglarz said the two have been contemplating the idea for some time.
“The whole idea was really Isaac’s. But, being a business owner I felt it important to give back to the community and the less fortunate during the holiday season,” said Ceglarz. “It is a token of appreciation.”
The goal is to fill two mini-vans with food.
“It can be turkeys or non-perishable food items,” Ceglarz said. “We will donate it on Saturday.”
The food will go to the Spanish Speaking Center of New Britain on Cedar St. who offers social services, adult education and has a food pantry for those in need from the City and surrounding towns.
“They always seem to be running out of food especially at this time of year,” said Ceglarz. “Mayor Erin Stewart approved it and we asked what would be an appropriate place to donate the food for the City of New Britain.”
Those who donate food will get a ticket for a free drink on Nov. 26 during the West Side Tavern’s Holiday Buffet. Ceglarz Automotive will be giving a $5 certificate for an oil change.
“We are asking everyone to bring in a couple cans of food and if they can or bring in a turkey,” said Ceglarz. “We want to stuff those vans and bring in a lot of food.”
The event will take place at West Side Tavern, 586 West Main St.
“We want to help everybody,” said Silva. “It’s important to make sure everyone can have a special Thanksgiving.”
If you cannot make the event, but still want to donate to the food pantry, please call 860-801-6344.
