THOMASVILLE — The Community Outreach Training Center (COTC) and Thomasville/Thomas County Homeless Coalition are again partnering and preparing for the annual Helping Hands Day, when agencies, organizations, ministries and individuals join forces to give back to the community. 

Helping Hands Day is the Saturday before Thanksgiving during National Hunger & Homeless Week, November 19-24.

This year’s event is Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Deep South Fairgrounds.

Last year, more than 300 families received a turkey, manna drop, clothing and other services.  

Some of the items to be given away will include new or slightly used clothing, turkeys, manna drop, hot foods, wash clothes, hygiene packages, socks, coats, scarves and gloves. Items needed for hygiene packages include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, lotion, personal items for women, wipes and razors.

COTC is a 501c (3) agency that accepts donations of items and/or finances year-round. Donations are tax-deductible.  

To obtain a turkey, participants will need to register. Registration will be held on Wednesdays in October from 8:30 to 11 a.m., ending Oct. 31. To register, applicants must have a picture ID and proof of address. Registration is at the COTC office, 125 Lester St.

Volunteers also are needed for various tasks. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating should call the COTC office at (229) 233-8075. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. To help financially, checks should be made payable to Community Outreach Training Center, P.O. Box 1612, Thomasville, Georgia 31799.