Thanksgiving baskets for the needy

Milford (WTNH) - There's a huge effort going on in Milford to help fill more dinner tables on Thanksgiving day.

It's called the "Basket Brigade," and this morning volunteers are working hard to make baskets for families in the New Haven and Bridgeport areas.

Since its start in 1994, the Basket Brigade has delivered more than 38 tons of food to needy families for Thanksgiving, and this year is no different.

About 200 volunteers met at 9 a.m. to start assembling and delivering the baskets.

A full Thanksgiving meal is included in the baskets, including turkey, stuffing, and more; even toys for children will be included.

Basket Brigade organizer Victor Frazao said it is a great learning experience for the volunteers. "Many of us that come here really don't know what to expect until we go out [to deliver the baskets] and see "the other side"- people that live in totally different situations than we do."

Victor also said the economy has affected the amount of donations the organization has received, and they still need more. "We aren't where we were last year with donations. That's why we're begging, pleading with people to go online and donate."

It's not too late to help out this cause. For more information on how you can keep the brigade going, go to www.ctbasketbrigade.org .