Last Helping Hands giveaway of the year on December 19
Volunteers from Kerry Bioscience assisting with last month's Helping Hands giveaway. The last giveaway night of the year will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 19 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA. (Photo from the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page)
NORWICH — Local nonprofit Helping Hands will be hosting their last giveaway night of the year at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 19 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA, located at 68-70 North Broad Street in Norwich.
The monthly giveaways provide food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, pet food, and more to anyone who stops by, no questions asked.
Volunteers assemble bags of items and set up stations in front of the YMCA, where individuals can walk or drive through to pick up what they need.
"As the year 2024 comes to a close, Helping Hands celebrates four years of serving our community. This journey has been made possible by the unwavering generosity and collaboration of our local agencies, churches, and individuals. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has joined us to make a difference," said Helping Hands Founder Lorri Race.
The organization was founded around January of 2020, and since then has not only helped countless community members, but has also become a shining example of community togetherness. Local individuals, organizations, businesses, and churches have gotten involved by providing donations as well as teams of volunteers.
In the past, Helping Hands has received assistance from NYCM Insurance, cvFree Church, Chobani, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Broad Street United Methodist Church, Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment, Kerry Bio Science, Perkins School of the Arts, Achieve, Grand Union, the Northeast American Dairy Association, the Norwich Family YMCA, and many more.
"When Helping Hands began, our mission was clear: to be a beacon of hope and a reliable source of aid for those in need. Every donation, whether big or small, has played a pivotal role in changing lives and building a stronger, more compassionate community," said Race. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many churches and organizations that have partnered with us. Your faith in our mission and your steadfast support have fueled our work every step of the way."
"To the individuals who have given generously of their time, resources, and love, we see the impact of your kindness every day in the smiles of those we serve. A special note of gratitude goes to the YMCA and Chobani, whose dedication and unwavering support have been extraordinary. Together, they have set an example of what true partnership looks like."
Volunteers support the giveaway nights by shopping for items, bagging them, and handing them out each month. Race said volunteers also strive to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere, both for volunteers and anyone who stops by.
"That’s another huge aspect to this, is that community building piece and bringing all of us together that volunteer and give. We have so much fun on Thursday night," said Race. "We don’t judge by your car, whether you walk, what you look like. We’re your friend [and] we’re happy to see you."
Those who would like to support Helping Hands can purchase items to donate by clicking the Amazon Wish List link on the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page. Items purchased through the Wish List will be delivered directly to Helping Hands.
Additionally, new and used sneakers and cleats can also be dropped off in the Go Sneakers donation box set up in the main lobby of the 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.
Empty bottles and cans can be donated as well at SOPO Redemption Center, located at 6653 NY-12 in Norwich, by letting an employee know the money is to go to Helping Hands.
Race said the monthly giveaway nights will continue, and she looks forward to another year of supporting the community.
"As we look ahead, Helping Hands remains committed to our mission of serving the community in 2025. We are excited for what the future holds and invite everyone to continue walking this path with us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about our work, your support is invaluable," she said. "Thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to another year of building connections, fostering hope, and making a difference together."
Helping Hands giveaway nights are always held on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in front of the Norwich Family YMCA, rain or shine.
For more information on Helping Hands, visit the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page.
The monthly giveaways provide food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, pet food, and more to anyone who stops by, no questions asked.
Volunteers assemble bags of items and set up stations in front of the YMCA, where individuals can walk or drive through to pick up what they need.
"As the year 2024 comes to a close, Helping Hands celebrates four years of serving our community. This journey has been made possible by the unwavering generosity and collaboration of our local agencies, churches, and individuals. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has joined us to make a difference," said Helping Hands Founder Lorri Race.
The organization was founded around January of 2020, and since then has not only helped countless community members, but has also become a shining example of community togetherness. Local individuals, organizations, businesses, and churches have gotten involved by providing donations as well as teams of volunteers.
In the past, Helping Hands has received assistance from NYCM Insurance, cvFree Church, Chobani, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Broad Street United Methodist Church, Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment, Kerry Bio Science, Perkins School of the Arts, Achieve, Grand Union, the Northeast American Dairy Association, the Norwich Family YMCA, and many more.
"When Helping Hands began, our mission was clear: to be a beacon of hope and a reliable source of aid for those in need. Every donation, whether big or small, has played a pivotal role in changing lives and building a stronger, more compassionate community," said Race. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many churches and organizations that have partnered with us. Your faith in our mission and your steadfast support have fueled our work every step of the way."
"To the individuals who have given generously of their time, resources, and love, we see the impact of your kindness every day in the smiles of those we serve. A special note of gratitude goes to the YMCA and Chobani, whose dedication and unwavering support have been extraordinary. Together, they have set an example of what true partnership looks like."
Volunteers support the giveaway nights by shopping for items, bagging them, and handing them out each month. Race said volunteers also strive to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere, both for volunteers and anyone who stops by.
"That’s another huge aspect to this, is that community building piece and bringing all of us together that volunteer and give. We have so much fun on Thursday night," said Race. "We don’t judge by your car, whether you walk, what you look like. We’re your friend [and] we’re happy to see you."
Those who would like to support Helping Hands can purchase items to donate by clicking the Amazon Wish List link on the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page. Items purchased through the Wish List will be delivered directly to Helping Hands.
Additionally, new and used sneakers and cleats can also be dropped off in the Go Sneakers donation box set up in the main lobby of the 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.
Empty bottles and cans can be donated as well at SOPO Redemption Center, located at 6653 NY-12 in Norwich, by letting an employee know the money is to go to Helping Hands.
Race said the monthly giveaway nights will continue, and she looks forward to another year of supporting the community.
"As we look ahead, Helping Hands remains committed to our mission of serving the community in 2025. We are excited for what the future holds and invite everyone to continue walking this path with us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about our work, your support is invaluable," she said. "Thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to another year of building connections, fostering hope, and making a difference together."
Helping Hands giveaway nights are always held on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in front of the Norwich Family YMCA, rain or shine.
For more information on Helping Hands, visit the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page.
dived wound factual legitimately delightful goodness fit rat some lopsidedly far when.
Slung alongside jeepers hypnotic legitimately some iguana this agreeably triumphant pointedly far
jeepers unscrupulous anteater attentive noiseless put less greyhound prior stiff ferret unbearably cracked oh.
So sparing more goose caribou wailed went conveniently burned the the the and that save that adroit gosh and sparing armadillo grew some overtook that magnificently that
Circuitous gull and messily squirrel on that banally assenting nobly some much rakishly goodness that the darn abject hello left because unaccountably spluttered unlike a aurally since contritely thanks