A flurry of volunteers have stepped up to ensure that nobody goes hungry as Thanksgiving approaches.

CBS 13 News reports The Root Cellar, a Christian nonprofit in Lewiston, kicked off its annual tradition of delivering Thanksgiving meals to struggling families.

This year marks 14 years of delivering meals in baskets to local families. Each basket contains a turkey along with numerous side dishes.

Root Cellar Director Joel Furrow said the opportunity to connect is most important when considering this event.

“It’s everything you need in a Thanksgiving dinner in a laundry basket delivered to your door, Furrow said. It’s opportunity for neighbors to connect with one another and really just give people the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving the way all of us want to.”

Furrow stated over 140 baskets were given out, exceeding the events goal of 127. And despite increased cost, there was a record number of volunteers.

“This is a record for us of people that are showing up to volunteer to give and distribute its costing more than it did in years past as well and so I think that it’s just a beautiful combination of people coming together and loving one another” said Furrow.

Volunteers worked hand-in-hand with community groups and local churches to handout the turkey baskets across the town.

Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Aaron Davis underscored how important the event truly is.

“Maybe you have to choose between keeping a roof for heat in their apartment or Thanksgiving dinner. Davis said. We want to take that out of the question, and we want to give the opportunity for people to gather around as a family and be able to just share this moment where we recognize what we’re thankful of.”