WESTPORT–Over the weekend, 475 local families received Thanksgiving meals from Homes with Hope, in partnership with community groups and hundreds of volunteers, said Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of the organization.

On Saturday, the CT Basket Brigade, which Homes with Hope runs as managing partner, prepared and distributed 300 meals, helped by volunteers who included  students, members of local groups and longtime supporters. Yesterday, an additional 175 clients of the Gillespie Center Food Pantry picked up their Thanksgiving meals.

“For many families, receiving a full meal not only eases the financial strain of the holiday season but also brings comfort, stability, and the joy of gathering around the table,” McAlinden said.

The Basket Brigade has been providing Thanksgiving meals for years to families served by area non-profit and community organizations. It has now expanded its reach beyond the greater Bridgeport and Norwalk areas.

“Homes with Hope extends heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, donors, SLOBs, Builders Beyond Borders, Girls Scouts and other partner organizations at the Basket Brigade, and community partners whose generosity made this weekend possible,” McAlinden said. “Together, they have ensured that thousands of neighbors will share in the warmth and tradition of Thanksgiving.”

Homes with Hope estimates that the initiative will provide 2,500 local residents with a Thanksgiving dinner. 

“(That’s) a tremendous milestone for the organization and a reflection of the community’s collective compassion,” McAlinden said.

The meals, each designed for a family of six, included turkeys, pies, fresh potatoes and carrots, canned vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and more.