Published November 26. 2025 02:45PM
La Dolce Casa in Tamaqua held its annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Tuesday, providing 3,000 turkey dinners to the community.
A food truck was parked outside the 16 W. Broad St. restaurant, which is also known as DiMaggio’s, and folks lined up to accept free, ready-to-go meals.
Employee Jodi Mika was among the servers, and noted that the dinners came with turkey and all the trimmings.
“Even gravy,” Mika added.
Each person was allowed to take up to three hot meals.
Alfonso Picone, owner of La Dolce Casa, encouraged others to participate in initiatives that help the community.
“Donating not only helps others, but also makes us feel better,” Picone posted on Facebook. “This is the message I want to convey: whoever can, please help each other a little more. Together, we can make a difference.”
The giveaway was made possible by La Dolce Casa with help from Koch’s Turkey Farm, Schiffs Food Service, Russo Foods and Market, Bova Food and Roma Food.
The restaurant also served 3,000 Thanksgiving meals in 2024.
Jodi Mika and Luigi Mamecquita, both employees of La Dolce Casa/DiMaggio’s in Tamaqua, pass out free Thanksgiving meals to the community from the restaurant’s food truck. JILL WHALEN/TIMES NEWS
People wait in a fast-moving line Tuesday for free turkey dinners distributed outside of La Dolce Casa/DiMaggio’s in Tamaqua Tuesday. JILL WHALEN/TIMES NEWS
About 3,000 free turkey dinners were served Tuesday from the La Dolce Casa/DiMaggio’s food truck in Tamaqua. JILL WHALEN/TIMES NEWS