Norwich — TVCCA and 97.7 WCTY will be in the Big Y World Class Market parking lot Thursday and Friday, collecting nonperishable food and monetary donations in the 21st annual food drive to benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank.

The food bank distributes the collected foods to more than 80 food pantries, shelters, child care centers, community meal sites and programs for the elderly. All monetary donations support TVCCA’s Client Emergency Fund, which addresses client needs not covered through other funding sources.

WCTY-97.7 FM will broadcast live from the event from 6 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday.

TVCCA and WCTY are hoping to top the more than 8,000 pounds of food and 91 turkeys collected last year.

“Sometimes it’s just a little bit of food assistance that keeps a family from falling into crisis. We see families who are really trying to remain self-sufficient, but just need a little help with food to get them through the month. That is what this food drive is meant to help,” TVCCA Executive Director Deborah Monahan said in a news release announcing the drive.

Most-needed food items include pasta, soup and broth, brown and white rice, canned and dried beans, canned fish and meat, peanut butter, dry cereals and oatmeal, canned vegetables, tomato products, shelf-stable milk, jams and jellies, and 100 percent juice. All donations should be in undamaged and unexpired packages. No glass containers are accepted.