(Left) The Go Sneakers donation box located in the main lobby of the Norwich Family YMCA. New and used sneakers and cleats can be dropped off in the box, and will be recycled similarly to bottles and cans. All money raised benefits the Helping Hands program. (Right) Volunteers bagged up items to hand out at last month’s Helping Hands giveaway night. Giveaways are held every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Norwich Family YMCA. (Photos from the Helping Hands Facebook page)

NORWICH — Local nonprofit charity group Helping Hands will be holding their monthly giveaway night at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 17 in front of the Norwich Family YMCA.

The volunteer group gives out food items, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies every month to those in need, and stress that the giveaway is open to all, no questions asked.

"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," said Helping Hands Founder Lorri Race. "Just show up, we'd love to have you."

The stations are accessible by car or by walking, and volunteers will provide one bag of goods to each attendee.

For those who would like to get involved, donations are accepted at the YMCA front desk during regular hours of operation, or during the monthly donation night held at the Y. This month, the donation night has been moved to Tuesday, February 15, beginning at 4 p.m.

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. The shoes will be recycled similarly to bottles and cans, and the money raised from the process goes directly to Helping Hands.

Donations can also be made on the Helping Hands Facebook page, where a link to their Amazon Wish List is provided. This month, the organization is in need of crackers, pasta, and pasta sauce of any brand, and disinfectant spray, dish soap, and laundry pods of any brand.

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of the community, Helping Hands is able to provided needed items to approximately 150 to 200 people each month.

"This is about the community. The community has rallied around the community, and that’s the best that we can hope for," said Race. "It’s a great thing to see happening and unfolding."