Kathy Simmons of Tamaqua’s North Ward section said she just happened to be lucky enough to walk a different route home on Tuesday and stumbled on something special — 5 tons of food being given away for free.

It was an early Thanksgiving for Simmons and many in the area as the Tamaqua Salvation Army conducted a free food giveaway beginning at 3 p.m.“I usually go home the front way,” said Simmons, pushing a small shopping cart she typically takes along on her trips downtown. For some reason, she decided to walk up Rowe Street past Citizens Fire Co. and was greeted by workers handing out goodies.Volunteers filled Simmons’ cart with carrots, cabbage, pumpkin and potatoes.Other fresh items available at no cost: apples, grapes, broccoli, zucchini, onions, squash, peppers and limes.“I wish my brother was here, but he’s down in Lehighton,” Simmons said.According to Major Sharon Whispell, the produce giveaway was made possible through the generosity of Steve and Valerie Dunn of Dunn’s Farm Market in South Tamaqua.“They wanted to have the opportunity to give back to the community,” Whispell said. “They know there’s a community need.”There was no income requirement and no registration was necessary, although a list of names was taken by program coordinator Mel Latham to keep track of the total number of people served.Vanessa Miller said the items will come in handy at her household.“My daughter loves vegetables,” she said. “And I’ll freeze what I can.”The event took place at the rear entrance of the Tamaqua Salvation Army Regional Community Center, 105 W. Broad St. The rear entrance is on Rowe Street, just west of Citizens Fire Co.“There were 12 pallets and a 12-passenger van full,” said volunteer Matt Moyer of Tamaqua. The event was advertised as running until 8 p.m. or until supplies lasted. Everything was gone by 5:40 p.m.Whispell said the Dunns provided for a similar giveaway this time last year, as well.In addition, she credited Hope’s Collision and Towing of Tamaqua with providing use of a flatbed trailer and bobcat loader to transport and unload the goods.Whispell said anywhere from 60 to 100 people were expected to show up and take advantage of the November giveaway.