Rockland County communities are working together to make sure veterans get a hearty Thanksgiving dinner this year.

The towns of Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo and Stony Point joined forces to gather free Thanksgiving dinners for veterans.

About 1,500 meals were packed up on Friday and will be distributed on Saturday.

Navy veteran Joe Tarangelo says he is grateful for the food.

"It means a lot, having a free dinner. I give it to my son for Thanksgiving, we all go there, so it means a lot," he says.

While veterans were asked to preregister for meals, walk-ins are welcomed to come pick up a free dinner Saturday.

The pickups are being held at:

The Street Community Center at 31 Zukor Road, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Haverstraw Town Hall at 1 Rosmand Road, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Orangetown Town Hall at 26 Orangeburg Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Stony Point Town Hall at 74 East Main St., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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