SANFORD — Those facing challenges in today’s still-sour economy will find some comfort ”“ in the form of meals, flu shots, hair cuts, workshops, blankets, socks and more ”“ on Monday, Columbus Day, at the Communities Care event, scheduled at North Parish Congregational Church on Main Street.

The event came about as area clergy from Acton, Alfred and Sanford UCC churches along with the Unitarian Universalist, St. George’s Episcopal and Crossroads United Methodist churches in Sanford began to talk about how they could extend their service.

Tough economic times are continuing, even though economists say the recession technically ended in 2009.

“For a lot of people, it’s getting worse,” said Rev. Bruce Burnham of Alfred Parish UCC Church. He said the Sanford area has a large population of people who live “pretty close to the bone.”

And according to the Maine Department of Labor, the August unemployment rate for Sanford, the most recent available, was 8.7 percent, while York County’s overall unemployment rate was 5.6 percent.

Burnham estimated that in general, about 30 percent of the population is one paycheck away from disaster.

How great is the need? Well, said Burnham, the Corner Cupboard, a monthly non-food pantry operated by the Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church, recently handed out 225 flyers about the Communities Care event, which means the pantry had at least 225 clients that day.

So the clergy and their congregations got together and pitched in to secure blankets, underwear, socks, toiletries, First Aid kits and more to provide some tangible relief to those in need. As well as items from the “free store,” there will be free blood pressure screenings, flu shots, dental health checks and manicures. Mary Ann Ratteree will offer free foot care, while the owner of Snip ”˜N Tone, Alicia Rowe, and stylist Katrina Metcalf, will provide haircuts all day.

Rowe, who opened her salon in April in the Mid-Town Mall, said she tries to help out in the community.

“I grew up here,” she said.

Rev. Sue Murphy of St. George’s Episcopal Church, pointed out that public assistance doesn’t cover all of people’s needs.

Activities during the event include workshops on making healthy snacks, and there will be arts and crafts for children, a reading corner with free children’s books and a play area so parents can attend workshops. Presentations from the WIC program will also be offered, along with information on LIHEAP, CSI Counseling, the Center for Grieving Children, a Code Red registry, prescription program sign-ups and more. Representatives from the United Way Weatherization Program, York County Community Action, Hospice of Southern Maine and Goodall Hospital Partners for a Healthier Community will also be on hand.

Breakfast will be served from 8:30-9:30 a.m., and lunch from noon to 1 p.m. The programs wind down at 2 p.m.

Those attending also have the chance to win a $50 food card.

The day of service is modeled after a similar program held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January at Saco First Congregational Church. Rev. Diane Wendorf of North Parish Congregational Church said the clergy group hopes to make Communities Care an annual event.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.