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The annual One Day of Hope was held at the Coffee County Fairgrounds on Saturday Oct. 26with a more bittersweet tone than years prior.

The event marks the first since the passing of the organization’s president Ray Marcrom earlier this year.

C.J. Thompson, the Treasurer of the One Day of Hope organization, explained that picking up where Marcrom left off served as the message of the morning.

“We gathered, and then I said a few words about Ray leaving unfinished business and unfinished work and that it’s for the rest of us to continue that work,” he said.

Many of Marcrom’s family members still participated in the event. His brother Tommy set up the music and led some hymns during the morning meeting, his daughter Sarah and son-in-law Joe both participated, and his wife Jane oversaw the clothing section.

“I hope that everyone feels like they matter,” remarked Jane Marcrom. “That was one of his things. That everyone mattered.”

Volunteers helped distribute various clothing items, shoes, hygiene products, and books along with information about resources available throughout the county. Due to a scheduling conflict, food items were distributed earlier this month instead of during the event as usual.

There were also professionals on hand to provide free medical services, dental exams, and haircuts to participants whom the organization refers to as “honored guests.”

“We hope they walk away remembering that they’re loved,” explained Thompson. “That they’re supported, that there is opportunity and support within their community, that not only God loves them but also, hopefully, the church community of this county loves them and cares for them.”

In addition to the One Day of Hope organization, the event is supported by various churches and businesses in Coffee County through monetary donations, in-kind gifts, and collections of various items.

“It is amazing how many things I don’t write checks for,” commented Thompson about the support from the community.

While the ultimate goal of the One Day of Hope is to help those less fortunate, Thompson also hopes that it sends a larger message.

“There can be places in the word where Christians don’t get along with Christians,” he says. “So I think that makes a large statement about the Church that the body of Christ can actually maybe get along and could actually work together for the same mission.”

Along with helping guests at the event, any items that weren’t given out on Saturday were loaded onto an 18-wheeler to be shipped to assist those affected by the recent hurricanes.