Volunteers from Perkins School of the Arts loading donated items at Grand Union last year. The next Helping Hands giveaway will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 15 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA. (Photo from the Helping Hands Facebook page)

NORWICH — Local nonprofit Helping Hands will be hosting their monthly giveaway at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 15 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA, located at 68-70 North Broad Street in Norwich.

The giveaways are always held on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m., rain or shine, and provide food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies free of charge to anyone who needs it, no questions asked.

"[We're] providing for the community as a whole, anyone that's in need," said Helping Hands Founder Lorri Race. "There's no criteria, you don't have to fill out a form, you don't need to fall in a certain bracket. It's anybody that's in need."

The giveaway nights are set up as stations of pre-bagged items in front of the YMCA, and individuals can drive or walk through to pick up what they need. Common food items at the giveaways include bread, pasta, milk, eggs, and yogurt; common hygiene items include deodorant, chapstick, shampoo, and conditioner; and cleaning supplies can include things like hand sanitizer, dish soap, bar soap, and laundry pods.

The organization relies on community volunteers and donations, and Race said they are always in need of hygiene and cleaning items. Donations can be dropped off at the YMCA during their operating hours, or purchased from the Helping Hands Amazon Wish List, which can be found on the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page.

Those looking to support the organization can also donate used sneakers and cleats in the drop box at the Norwich Family YMCA. Those that are in good condition are cleaned and given to individuals in need, and those that can't be reused are recycled. Helping Hands receives a small amount of money for each pair of recycled shoes, which helps them buy items for the giveaway nights.

To inquire about volunteering opportunities, message the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page.

"We are grateful for the increased interest in volunteering," said Race. "We thank everyone who has donated money, time, or items, and we love seeing our friends come through the line each month!"

2024 Giveaway Dates

Thursday, March 21

Thursday, April 18

Thursday, May 16

Thursday, June 20

Thursday, July 18

Thursday, August 15

Thursday, September 19

Thursday, October 17

Thursday, November 21

Thursday, December 19