BOSTON (AP) — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and United Way will join forces to distribute more than 3,000 Thanksgiving meals to needy families throughout Boston and surrounding communities.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Mark Katic reports

Cardinal Sean O’Malley will participate in the effort on Saturday at the Yawkey Center location in Dorchester.

The meal distribution is part of a larger effort throughout Catholic Charities of Boston to provide seasonal and holiday assistance to more than 4,000 families across Eastern Massachusetts. The United Way plans to hand out 7,000 meals throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.

The meals will be given out Saturday in Boston, Haverhill, Lowell and Somerville.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.