NORWICH – In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a number of area churches teamed-up last week to donate 458 baskets and gift cards to those in need.

“It's more than just giving away food, but fulfilling a cultural need,” said United Church of Christ, First Congregational Pastor Joe Connolly. “In some cases, people are not able to have Thanksgiving dinner with their family. By giving them food we are also providing them with the opportunity to take part in Thanksgiving.”

As a way of assuring that the baskets and gift cards were being gifted to those most in need, a list of underprivileged people was compiled by social services agencies and churches.

While United Church of Christ, First Congregational coordinated the Thanksgiving giveaway, Connolly says that there were many other churches, agencies, businesses, and people who contributed to the cause thus, making it possible.

Among the many groups who made contributions to the giveaway were the First Baptist Church, the Jewish Center, Christ Lutheran Church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, St. Bartholomew's Roman Catholic Church, Roots and Wings at Catholic Charities, Fidelis Care, Canasawacta Country Club, and Norwich City School teachers and staff.