Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home, and the adage is especially true in these tough economic times. So in keeping with the spirit of giving, members of the Harvest Time Assembly of God, along with local volunteers, will be hosting a communitywide event this weekend. And while it’s unlikely that organizers will be turning water into wine, they’ll most certainly be providing sustenance – and hope – to those in need.

It’s called the Day of Compassion, and will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Harvest Time Assembly of God in Brentwood. The event is open to the public and will provide bags of groceries, free haircuts and complimentary dental and medical screenings to anyone who shows up.

“People are hungry, and especially right now, with the hardness of what’s going on,” said Pastor Dennis Reynolds. “So we got this idea to have one big event, and it’s really taken on a life of its own. It’s going to be fabulous.”

Reynolds and his congregation began gathering interest, along with food and pledges, last October while making their way throughout the community in their mobile food wagon. Realizing that the need was greater than they could handle, the congregation decided to host an event on the ample church grounds.

“The response to this has been overwhelming,” said Reynolds. “We’ve got about $20,000 worth of groceries, and dentists have said they will provide free vouchers for those who need dental work. We’ve even got students and faculty from Los Medanos College coming to help out. It just keeps growing and growing.”

Other local businesses involved in the event include Delta Fence, Rancho Furniture, Oakley Chiropractic and Miller Chiropractic, as well as Got-A-Party, Williams Sanitary and dozens of styling salons throughout the community.

For Larry Botleho, a member of the Harvest Time church, the gift of giving is personal. “There have been times in my life that have been hard, so getting out there and helping these people is really big for me,” he said. “Times are tough right now, and if just one person gets something out of this (event), then it’s all going to be worth it.”

Reynolds said he expects to receive around 1,500 people during the event, but will accommodate more if necessary. “We just want everyone to come,” he said. “It’s a first-come, first-served basis, and we’ll be there for as long as it lasts. We believe that if you’re doing the right thing, you can accomplish just about anything.”

The Harvest Time Assembly of God Church is located at 2200 Ventura Road, across from Krey Elementary School, in Brentwood. The next Day of Compassion will held at the same location on July 18 and again on Nov. 22.