Courtesy Photo Workers prepare food for a recent food giveaway in Alpena.

ALPENA ― People who help people will converge in a church parking lot today, ready to offer information, household supplies, fun goodies, and a warm welcome.

“We’re just happy to see someone and offer a smile,” said Courtney Holmes, chairwoman for the Alpena County Human Services Coordinating Council, which sponsors the annual Project Connect event in Alpena.

The event gives the multitude of helping organizations in the area a chance to tell their stories and connect to people who may not know such organizations exist.

“Everybody needs help,” Holmes said. “Whether it’s a little bit of help or a lot of help, whatever it might be, we’re just here for everybody, no matter the situation.”

At the drive-through event, she said, “anyone and everyone” can nab free resources of all kinds, from laundry detergent and tooth brushes to naloxone kits to socks and kids’ books.

A packet of pamphlets to take home will offer information that may come in handy if a future need arises or a loved one doesn’t know where to turn for help.

Project Connect attendees may learn about a resource that meets a need they didn’t even know they had, Holmes said.

The event also serves as the November Food Bank of Eastern Michigan pop-up food pantry event through Feed the Need of Alpena, providing fresh produce and food staples to anyone who asks.

This year’s Project Connect big ticket item is free COVID-19 and flu vaccines that attendees can receive as they wait in line in their cars. Alcona Health Center health professionals will supply the vaccines.

Information gleaned from an attendee survey will help local agencies know what most interests residents, who can also let event leaders know if they need immediate help.

A safe zone to the side of the parking lot will accommodate people without vehicles at the drive-thru event.

Representatives from the Alpena County Library, the Salvation Army, mental health support organizations, Child and Family Services, and many other local agencies will participate in the event because they are passionate about doing whatever they can for anyone who needs help, for whatever reason, Holmes said.

People who arrive at the event won’t have to prove they’re down on their luck. They won’t have to tell their story. Nobody will assume they’re struggling or form opinions about their personal lives, Holmes said.

“We’re just genuinely happy to see them and share our resources,” she said.

If you go

* WHAT: Project Connect community resource event

* WHEN: 3 to 6 p.m. Friday

* WHERE: St. John Catholic Church, 2425 Frederick St., Alpena

* INFO: A drive-through event offering free food, hygiene products, household supplies, children’s materials, and information about community service organizations