NORWICH – Even though they’re small in number, the members of the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons believe any amount of helping hands are enough to make a positive difference, if that’s the goal.

“We need community groups to fill in the gaps,” said member Nancy Clark, who feels that helpful resources are not as prevalent as they once were. “The AARP does a good job recognizing that. They understand very much that neighborly feeling.”

For the holiday season, AARP members will be branching out goodwill across the county and abroad. At an upcoming Christmas Party on Tuesday, Dec. 12, the group will be gathering donations in a three-pronged effort to contribute to the local food pantry, the Head Start program, and the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. Guests are welcome and encouraged to bring canned goods, hand sewn or store bought children’s mittens, and useful items for soldiers, such as toiletries, that will be sent out in gift packages.

Although it may not seem like much, Norwich resident Anna May Quincy said that when she has sent gift boxes to service men and women in the past, they have often been well appreciated and much needed.