By EMILY HALL
ehall@northkitsapherald.com

POULSBO — The national recession of the last decade left many residents of Kitsap County in despair.

Many residents lost their jobs. They and many others struggled to make ends meet and provide for their families.

Gateway Fellowship of Poulsbo saw a solution: A Day of Hope, in which volunteers would meet the needs of residents going through a rough patch.

Now in its sixth year, the day evolved into a four-hour event in which someone who needs to can get dental care, medical help, legal advice, a haircut, clothing, groceries — and enjoy lunch with neighbors.

All free. No questions asked. A hand up for fellow residents in need.

“We’re just doing what God called us to do,” said Sandy Cato, the coordinator of Operation Day of Hope. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This year’s Operation Day of Hope took place on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gateway Fellowship. Other local churches pitched in as well.

North Point Church gave 350 coats it had collected in a clothing drive. New Covenant Fellowship contributed 490 pairs of socks, and North Kitsap New Life donated 560 hygiene kits.

At day’s end, Gateway Fellowship’s Operation Day of Hope attracted a total of 807 people.

At 11 a.m., Operation Day of Hope offered a free lunch. Those who just finished enjoying a complimentary massage were able to dine on Tex-Mex fare. In the same room, children had their faces painted.

Gateway Fellowship drew in many members of the community to help make this giving day a success. Out of the 304 volunteers total assisting with the event’s production were a myriad of youth helpers who got to learn at a young age about how to help the community.

Many residents who arrived at the event feeling downtrodden left feeling positive, hopeful and empowered.

Gateway Fellowship’s Operation Day of Hope allowed many people in Kitsap County to obtain assistance they otherwise might not have received.