First Helping Hands giveaway of the year this Thursday
Dancers from the Amber Perkins School of the Arts volunteering at the December Helping Hands giveaway night. The first giveaway night of the year will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 16 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA. (Photo from the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page)
NORWICH — Helping Hands will be hosting their first giveaway of the year at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 16 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA, located at 68-70 North Broad Street in Norwich.
Helping Hands is a Norwich-based nonprofit group that provides food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and pet food to individuals in need.
Volunteers shop for supplies and set up stations in front of the YMCA, where individuals can walk or drive through and pick up what they need. All are welcome to attend and take pre-bagged items for free, 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."
Helping Hands has been able to support the community for four years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers and supporters. Many community organizations, businesses, churches, and individuals donate time and resources to make giveaway nights run smoothly and ensure there are plenty of items to give out.
In the past, Helping Hands has received assistance from NYCM Insurance, cvFree Church, 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, and many more.
Additionally, the Norwich Family YMCA has been a huge supporter of their mission by providing storage space for giveaway items as well as a location to host the giveaway nights. Chobani has also supported the organization by driving down the "Cho Truck" each month to give out free yogurt.
"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."
Individuals who would like to support Helping Hands can purchase donations through the Amazon Wish List link posted on the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page. Items purchased through the Wish List will be delivered directly to Helping Hands.
Empty bottles and cans can be redeemed at SOPO Redemption Center, located at 6653 NY-12 in Norwich, by letting an employee know the money is to go to Helping Hands.
Individuals can also donate used sneakers and cleats in the Go Sneakers donation box set up in the Norwich Family YMCA. Sneakers in good condition will be donated to people in need, and the rest will be recycled. For each pair of recycled shoes, Helping Hands receives a small amount of money to go toward their monthly giveaway nights.
"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."
Giveaway nights are always held at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, rain or shine. Helping Hands giveaway nights for 2025 are as follows:
Thursday, February 20
Thursday, March 20
Thursday, April 17
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, June 19
Thursday, July 17
Thursday, August 21
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Helping Hands is a Norwich-based nonprofit group that provides food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and pet food to individuals in need.
Volunteers shop for supplies and set up stations in front of the YMCA, where individuals can walk or drive through and pick up what they need. All are welcome to attend and take pre-bagged items for free, 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."
Helping Hands has been able to support the community for four years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers and supporters. Many community organizations, businesses, churches, and individuals donate time and resources to make giveaway nights run smoothly and ensure there are plenty of items to give out.
In the past, Helping Hands has received assistance from NYCM Insurance, cvFree Church, 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, and many more.
Additionally, the Norwich Family YMCA has been a huge supporter of their mission by providing storage space for giveaway items as well as a location to host the giveaway nights. Chobani has also supported the organization by driving down the "Cho Truck" each month to give out free yogurt.
"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."
Individuals who would like to support Helping Hands can purchase donations through the Amazon Wish List link posted on the Helping Hands Norwich Facebook page. Items purchased through the Wish List will be delivered directly to Helping Hands.
Empty bottles and cans can be redeemed at SOPO Redemption Center, located at 6653 NY-12 in Norwich, by letting an employee know the money is to go to Helping Hands.
Individuals can also donate used sneakers and cleats in the Go Sneakers donation box set up in the Norwich Family YMCA. Sneakers in good condition will be donated to people in need, and the rest will be recycled. For each pair of recycled shoes, Helping Hands receives a small amount of money to go toward their monthly giveaway nights.
"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."
Giveaway nights are always held at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, rain or shine. Helping Hands giveaway nights for 2025 are as follows:
Thursday, February 20
Thursday, March 20
Thursday, April 17
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, June 19
Thursday, July 17
Thursday, August 21
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
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