Ocasio’s True Martial Arts to Distribute 525 Thanksgiving Food Baskets Next Week

File photograph. (Image licensed by Ingram Image.)

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
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The students and staff at Ocasio’s True Martial Arts are getting ready to make the annual Thanksgiving holiday extra special for hundreds of families across the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire.

As part of the karate school’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Brigade event—now in its 25th year—more than 500 food baskets will be assembled and distributed to families in need in time for the Nov. 22 holiday.

The highly coordinated effort under the direction of Herman and Kim Ocasio involves dozens of volunteers and food collection through donation drives at school locations in Haverhill, Merrimac and Plaistow, N.H. Over the years, the organization has provided over 10,000 meals.

Organizer Kim Ocasio tells WHAV monetary donations to help purchase turkeys are appreciated. Checks may be mailed to 76 Merrimack St., Ste. 14, Haverhill, MA 01830 or dropped off at that location Monday through Thursday from 4-8 p.m.