TURNERS FALLS, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — New England Patriots rookie placekicker Andres “Andy” Borregales was recently presented with a unique situation where he could utilize his built-in desire to help others.
Borregales, who was born in Venezuela and came with his family to south Florida as a one-year-old, was told of the food insecurity issues in one of farther reaches of Patriots Nation: Franklin County.
An opportunity was put forth to hold a turkey distribution event in Turners Falls, and Borregales’ response came quickly: “Let’s do this”.
On Tuesday morning, Borregales came along with the owner of I Love Boston Sports, Northfield Mount Hermon grad Mahlon Williams, to distribute frozen turkeys and fresh produce at the Heartwing Center on Avenue A in Turners Falls.
“I grew up in a household where my parents did everything to make sure we didn’t have to go through some of the struggles so many do”, said Berragales. “I try to give back as much as possible…no one should go without on Thanksgiving, or any time.”
The turkey distribution drew a large crowd to downtown Turners Falls for the unique opportunity to meet a current Patriots player in person.
“This (area) is great. I love it. It’s definitely very different from what I grew up with,” said Borregales. “At the end of the day, I am a firm believer that we all need to give back, no matter what.”
In all, over 150 turkeys were given away to community members.