Stew Leonard's in Norwalk donated over 700 turkeys to local charities that help families in need.

Every year, for the past 41 years, the grocery store makes sure families in need have a proper Thanksgiving dinner.

This year, officials say the effort is even more impactful as the number of families who are food insecure has gone up amid the pandemic.

"We're blessed with an abundance of food most of the time, but right now that's not the situation," Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling says.

"The food banks have been hit so hard this year, and we're just so proud that we can help out a little bit and hopefully encourage other people to do the same," Beth Leonard says.

As part of the annual turkey brigade, volunteers from each charity drive up, go inside for the turkeys, and then they're on their way.

Officials say it's a perfect setup when social distancing is now necessary.

Mayor Rilling and Norwalk's finest also joined the staff at Stew's this year to help distribute the turkeys.

All seven Stew Leonard's locations are taking part in the donation process.

About 3,000 turkeys are being delivered across the tri-state.