TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Eight local businesses served up 500 meals Wednesday for those who served the United States and those who continue to serve the community every day. "I think it's a good way to give back because we put a lot of time and effort into helping other people," said Alan Reid, who works with Volunteer Fire Police from Youngstown. "I know the community appreciates it but sometimes they don't really realize the scope of what we do until, unfortunately, they need us." Free meals were available for veterans and first responders who serve with local EMS, police and fire departments in Western New York. They were handed out in the parking lot of the Boulevard Mall. "It was much different when we first came home from Vietnam, we didn't get the gratitude, I am very grateful that this is going on," said Joe Pasek, a veteran from Tonawanda. The day before Thanksgiving, local veterans and first responders were shown gratitude one homemade turkey dinner at a time. "This is exactly what Buffalo is all about -- giving back," said Kevin Lester, owner of Kevin's Catering. "You'd be surprised what people eat every day, and when they get some homemade quality food, and the reaction that they get when they get something good." For Lester, the Buffalo Fire Department is close to his heart since he grew up around it with his father as a firefighter. "They're a 24/7 365 business that never ends, and they sacrifice a lot of holidays, weekends away from their family, and it was something that we felt as a nice thank you," Lester said. Lester's catering business, along with Dominguez Marketing, AVA Roofing and Siding, Mustachios Pizza, Old Man River, Mississippi Mudds, District 37 and UTECH, held the annual turkey dinner giveaway for its fifth year. "It goes to show that different businesses and different trades can come together for a good cause and support the local heroes, " said Anatoliy Aponchuk, owner of AVA Roofing and Siding. "I think they'll appreciate it. During the workday they can stop by and grab a meal, and I think they'll feel appreciated, and it's the least we can do from our side." After meals were given out at the Boulevard Mall, the rest were dropped off at local police and fire stations as a way of giving thanks. Latest Local News Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off Fairgrounds Festival of Lights | Watch live Friday at 6:15 p.m. Turkey dinners given to local veterans, first responders ahead of Thanksgiving Power outage at Commodore Perry Homes after contractor cuts conduit Road closures, traffic information for Bills vs. 49ers Road restrictions for Thursday’s Turkey Trot Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here.