Groton — Volunteers and employees of Groton Human Services distributed almost 500 food baskets for the Thanksgiving holiday to low-income families, all of whom are expected to return for a second distribution on Dec. 18 for Christmas.

"I thought it would be just a handful of people, then you see this," said Richard Brooks, 61, who stood in line for the first time. "It just goes to show you ... ."

"People are hurting," said a woman, finishing his sentence.

Brooks had a landscaping business, fell off a ladder doing tree work and now can't do much, he said. He felt bad about standing in line but was glad the help was there, he said.

As of this week, 497 individuals or families had applied for food baskets, Human Services Director Marge Fondulas said.

All who signed up for Thanksgiving baskets are also signed up to receive help at Christmas, she said, and the office typically must cap the list at 500.

In addition to food baskets, about 320 families with children ages 12 and younger will also receive toys.

"People are dealing with high rents. We're not paying as much for oil and we're not paying as much for gas, so that's helping. But people's budgets are still being stretched," Fondulas said. "As is evidenced by the turnout, a lot of people in our community are still in need of assistance."

Town police provided an officer, as in prior years, to help with traffic control. 

People lined up in the human services building to show identification and pick up a ticket, then drove around the side of the building, where volunteers loaded boxes of food, turkeys and pastries into the cars.

Aaron Lorenzo, 19, captain of the men's basketball team at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, ran boxes up from the basement with his teammates. 

"It's good to give back to the community," he said. "They come to support us at our games, and we're fortunate enough to attend college and play for the team. It's that time of year, and the coach always stresses to us that it's good to be not only good students and athletes but also good citizens."

People lined up inside and staff checked through lists of registered families while members of the University of Connecticut’s Cooperative Extension — part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources — cooked and served bowls of turkey chowder. 

Erica Benvenuti of the extension service handed out recipes for holiday dishes and leftover turkey. Ledge Light Health District offered free flu shots.

Victoria Rodriguez, 29, who has a son, 8, said she was glad to have the help. She can't work due to a medical condition.

"Most of us don't work or are disabled, so it helps for Thanksgiving dinner," she said.

Wendy Reppert, 64, used a cane to walk from the building.

"I wouldn't have a turkey" otherwise, she said. But she'd leave feeling better than when she arrived, "knowing that I have something for a while." 

Counselor Diane Schrage said the mood was upbeat.

"People seem like they've got good spirits and are very uplifted this year. It's really nice to see the smiles," she said. "A lot of thankful people."

Brooks commented on the soup in the waiting area. "Wow, it smells pretty good in here," he told the room as he walked in. "Can I stay for dinner?"

d.straszheim@theday.com

Twitter: @DStraszheim