LONG BEACH and SOUTH BEND — Myriad organizations on the Long Beach Peninsula are gearing up for the annual Project Community Connect. It will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Long Beach Elks Lodge, located at 111 Pacific Ave. N. A free lunch will be provided.

A parallel event is planned in North Pacific County on Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Willapa Harbor Chamber of Commerce, located at 916 W. 1st St. in South Bend.

“We are excited to see people from businesses, community leaders, community resource programs and volunteers come together to help those in need of information and resources,” Nancy McAllister of Peninsula Poverty Response said.

The peninsula event is coordinated through Peninsula Poverty Response, whose volunteers will offer camping and hygiene kits for homeless people. Other practical help includes free haircuts from Barella’s Barbershop. Oceanside Animal Clinic will offer nail trims, ear cleaning and flea treatment for pet companions.

Social service agencies taking part include the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mobile community services office, Coastal Community Action Program, which offers coordinated entry and housing programs, and Pacific County Health and Human Services Department.

Peace of Mind Pacific County will offer mental health advocacy services. Crisis Support Network and the Cowlitz Family Health Center will also be on hand.

The Ilwaco American Legion Post 48 and the county’s Veterans Advisory Board will offer support to veterans.

Various other organizations will offer information on the services they offer. These include the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center, the Timberland Regional Library, Peninsula Lions Club, Educational Service District 112, Long Beach Head Start (Educational Opportunities for Children and Families), and the Northwest Justice Program.

Organizers are seeking volunteers to assist at the various stations during the event, act as guides, and set up and take down the booths. To volunteer, sign up through peninsulapovertyresponse.org.

Project Community Connect

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25

Long Beach Elks Lodge, 111 Pacific Ave. N, Long Beach

For information, log on to peninsulapovertyresponse.org