WARREN — Despite steady heavy rain, a small but dedicated group of neighbors gathered under the gazebo at downtown Warren’s Courthouse Square on Sunday for a community social organized by Good Trouble Trumbull.

The event, which took place 1 to 3 p.m. drew a modest crowd the day after Independence Day. Attendees brought donations of food for Second Harvest Food Bank and spent the afternoon connecting through conversation and fellowship.

Eric Varga, a member of the group, said the gathering was not a rally but an opportunity for neighbors to build relationships.

“We just were trying to have a community event … to get together with people, offer fellowship and friendship,” Varga said. “We got a lot more food than I ever expected today.”

Donations collected will primarily support Second Harvest with additional plans to aid other local organizations with future events.

Dr. Laura Liberman, who moved from New York to Ohio, has been attending Good Trouble Trumbull events for about a year and a half. She said she participates to support positive action and strengthen community ties.

“I wanted to do whatever I can to make the world better … to help people (and) to be a voice for people who don’t have a voice,” Liberman said.

She brought water, ice, and name tags to help participants get to know one another.

Liberman added that she first met some of the people now active in the group at her initial protest.

Attendees discussed upcoming initiatives, including a food and clothing drive.

The group is also planning an Aug. 1 event to mark the July 30 birthday of Medicare, which will feature experts on the topic.

Patricia Dunbar, who became more politically engaged later in life, appreciated the event’s focus on shared concerns and practical solutions rather than complaints.

“We really didn’t talk a lot about politics,” Dunbar said.