Norwich Helping Hands volunteers Hanna Vidler, Lexi Race, and Kisten Giglio smile while serving food to attendees. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

NORWICH – At 6:30 p.m. tonight the Norwich YMCA will host Helping Hands Norwich for a second community donation night.

The charity event gives away food, toiletries and basic living assistance items to any who attend.

Event Coordinator Lorri Race said residents coming to receive are encouraged to show up no sooner than 6:30 p.m. due to freezing temperatures, and that tonights weather is calling for temperatures below 10 degrees.

Race said due to an increase in donations, an additional room has been added to the setup. She said she hopes this will allow people to get out of the cold faster and move through the line quicker.

To Race, this night is not just about giving back to the community, but building community relationships, recalling how she watched volunteers and community members connect with each other during the night of giving.

"This isn't just about people getting things they need, it's also about making friends and supporting each other," said Race.