New London ― More than 400 Thanksgiving food boxes were given to families in need Tuesday through a new collaboration between St. James Episcopal Church and The Salvation Army of New London.

Volunteers from both organizations were joined by staff from the Connecticut Sun as preregistered community members drove through or walked up for their boxes. The boxes included either a chicken or turkey as well as other items from fresh bread to stuffing mix.

Gigi González-Cottrell, a captain at the Salvation Army, said this was the first year the two organizations, which are a block apart from each other, came together for a Thanksgiving event. She said in the past they’ve both done separate events and will also hold a joint Christmas toy and food drive.

“We wanted to use both our resources to reach as many people as possible.” said González-Cottrell.