Pictured are Matt Radecki, Jeff Smith, John Munson and Dale Smith. Hometown Rent to Own partners are planning to expand their annual Thanksgiving giveaway to their Jamestown location. Submitted photo

A family-owned and operated business will be expanding its annual Thanksgiving giveaway to its new location in Jamestown.

Hometown Rent to Own began giving away free turkey dinners at their Salamanca location in 2015 and will be continuing the tradition this year. Matt Radecki, the owner of the business, said all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal will be provided — no questions asked. A hundred meals will be available at the Salamanca location at 203 Center St. and 50 at the Jamestown location at 815 Foote Ave. The giveaway is slated for Nov. 19 beginning at 10 a.m. in both locations.

Radecki said the company has given away 1,000 meals to the community over the past few years. No purchases are necessary and no proof of need is required to receive a meal.

“We want it to be all about the community that allows us to serve them,” he said. “We understand that during the holiday season, it puts a financial burden on people to where sometimes they can’t afford to bring their families together during the holiday especially Thanksgiving. We’re a family-owned and operated business, and the holiday is about bringing the family together. We want to be a part of helping families be able to financially come together during the holidays.”

Radecki said Thanksgiving is an important holiday as it focuses on family and being able to share a meal with others while being thankful for the blessings in one’s life. He said the past year and a half has been incredibly difficult for everyone due to the pandemic, which makes it even more important.

Hometown Rent To Own partnered with local grocery stores for the giveaway in each area: Parkview in Salamanca and Farm Fresh Foods in Jamestown. Radecki asks that those who attend the giveaway wear masks in the store and maintain social distancing.

Radecki said the entire company is thrilled to participate in the giveaway each year, and they are glad to have the opportunity to expand the giveaway to the Jamestown area. Radecki is joined by his business partners, Chris Fiegl and Jeff Smith, in hosting the event.

“It’s a very, very good feeling,” he said. “It makes you feel good that you’re doing something good. You turn on the news, and you see all these horrible things happening — it’s nice to know that there is humanity out there still that exists today that is helping other people.”

Smith said the staff is proud to work for an organization that is willing to give back to the community.

“We’re all so happy and excited to be able to contribute in whatever way we can,” he added.

For more information on the giveaway, Hometown Rent to Own can be found on Facebook; there is separate pages for each location.