Volunteers serve Thanksgiving dinner at Norwalk shelter

Volunteers across Western Connecticut are doing their part to help others this Thanksgiving.

News 12 Connecticut’s Justin Schecker visited Open Door Shelter in Norwalk to get a firsthand look at the Thanksgiving feast made special for those in need.

Volunteers tell News 12 that they were hard at work since 9 a.m. planning the meal and cooking everything from turkey to candied yams to corn and pies for dessert.

First-time volunteer Angela Bagnara says she's setting an example for her 11-year-old son.

“I just want to show my son that even though we're going through hard times, there are people out there that are having worse times than we are,” she says.

Doors opened at 12:30 p.m. to welcome those in need to enjoy all of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

“It’s cool to be able to take their minds off of what they’re growing through and their circumstances, with a nice, warm meal,” says Open Door Shelter volunteer Samantha Williams.

Williams told News 12 that the shelter expected to serve about 150 meals this year.

Wanda Switon is in charge of making sure guests don't go hungry.

“It means a lot to me that I’m able to cook a meal for someone who is not able to cook for their self.”