Groton — Caring and Sharing Program representatives from the Naval Submarine Base donated more than 800 pounds of canned food items to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut in Groton Jan. 11.

The program has a long-standing tradition of donating non-perishable food items not used in the annual prepared boxes provided to military members and their families during the recent holiday season.

Mass Communication Specialist First Class Jason Perry, who helps oversee the annual program, said, “This is a great way to continue to say thank you to all those who donated to our program. Their donations essentially serve to also keep the ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ feeling alive, here in our local area.”

Virginia Mason, president and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, said the need for donations has never been greater. She said she was very grateful and appreciative of the donation.