WILLIMANTIC, Conn. (WFSB) - A diner in Willimantic is giving a helping hand to a soup kitchen that's without a freezer.

Tonight at Blondies Diner, tables are full and plates are being served, but not for profit.

For the past three nights, Blondies Diner in Willimantic has donated their evening proceeds to the Covenant Soup Kitchen just minutes away.

These funds will help repair the kitchen's freezer that broke down the day after Thanksgiving.

"Being in the community that I'm in right now and have been in for nine years, it struck a chord with me. So I wanted to be able to help with that," said Julie Cook, Owner, Blondies Diner.

Cook has owned Blondies for about a decade. She says she wanted to give back to a community that has given so much to her.

"I wasn't really thinking three days, one day may have been sufficient, but I'm super happy to be doing it. This town has been gracious to me and my business and it's a good way to give back," said Cook.

Her employees felt the same. None of them are accepting payment. Cook even says she had former employees come back and put an apron on to help out.

Even her sister and sister-in-law visiting from Mississippi were working hard in the dish room.

But every dish washed means another donation toward an organization in need.

"The organization is out there trying to help people. For something so tragic to happen to them, especially this time of year, everyone should try and help a little bit. 'Tis the season," said Kristie Grasis, Julie's sister.