Stamford's Salvation Army provided hundreds of local families with holiday meals on Friday.

Volunteers, including members of Westhill High School's football team and the Stanwich Church, packed 420 baskets Thursday night.

Each basket contained a turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and vegetables.

"We have huge, sweet potatoes, I think they're the biggest we've ever had. Anything that's sweet in there, I would like, but we have a healthy and well-balanced Thanksgiving meal," said Maj. Myron Smith.

Smith says the organization has seen an increase in the need for their weekly services, such as diaper and food banks.

"It's no hidden secret that the economy is really tough for a lot of people. This year, we're slightly more than last year. It's people who are really on the line between gas and food, and things are really tight. We see a lot of new families coming in," said Smith.

Recipients say they're grateful for the baskets and now have one less thing to worry about this Thanksgiving.

"It means a great deal because everything is so expensive. We need all the help you can get. Other cities don't have this help," says Rachel Breeze.