A convoy of trucks and officers from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department dropped off holiday meals in Newark on Tuesday.

The department has been supplying food to soup kitchens and churches in Newark for the last 30 years in time for Thanksgiving.

The officers dropped food off at 30 different locations around the city. Items included turkeys, vegetables, stuffing, coffee and anything else families might need for Thanksgiving dinner.

“We understand. You don't have to tell us your story. We know times are hard. That’s what we’re here for,” says Alysha Lane, of New Hope Baptist Church. “We just need your name, telephone and time you can come pick up your food.”

Essex County Sheriff Armondo Fontoura says this is the best day of the year for his department.

“It’s just a labor of love. It’s a wonderful day…[all my officers] will agree,” Fontoura says.

The New Hope Baptist Church will be cooking 30 turkeys for its Thanksgiving dinner. Organizers say all are welcome.