When the Enfield Food Shelf began distributing holiday turkeys Tuesday afternoon, the line snaked from the front door all the way to the back of the building. This was after providing Thanksgiving meals to 263 families on Monday.
"We estimate about 550 families will benefit this year, up from just under 500 last year," said Linda Bridge, executive director of the hunger relief agency.
Bridge was supported by an army of volunteers, including U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Enfield Board of Education Chairman Tim Neville.
"The Enfield pantry is one of the real all-stars in caring for the community," Courtney said while handing out turkeys and trays outside the building. "I've done this here for a number of years, and I enjoy it. They have a strong system to make sure people get help."