Military veterans and their families can stop by Saint Mary Church of God in Christ on Saturday, along with members of the public that are grateful for their service and sacrifices.

The church will hold its annual Military Appreciation Community Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3637 Nansemond Parkway. This event is free and open to the public, with support from more than a dozen sponsorships by local businesses and major corporations, along with help from the Suffolk Police Department, Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue and the Suffolk Public Library.

“It’s those sponsors that really help us make the event a success,” organizer Barbara Kagler said.

This is the second year that the outreach ministry has organized the event, Kagler said, and numerous veteran organizations will be present. The list of vendors includes the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Vet Centers, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9382, the Virginia War Memorial Foundation based in Richmond.

There will also be representatives sharing information on behalf of the Virginia Employment Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. Eastern Virginia Medical School will provide health education and diabetes screenings.

Kagler said the intent is to educate military veterans and their families on what resources are available to them in Hampton Roads. She retired from the Army as a major last year and understands how these resources aren’t always obvious.

“There are so many resources in the area that we just don’t know about, so we take this opportunity in honor of Veterans Day to show our support,” she said.

There will also be plenty of fun for family members, with bounce houses, clowns, face painting and arts and crafts for the children to go with music and refreshments.

Call 636-5879 or email asrbjackson@yahoo.com for more information.