On a glorious Sunday afternoon, Praise Tabernacle church on Park Avenue hosted the annual Hope for Homeless BBQ. Besides the delicious food, guests were treated to free haircuts, the ability to "shop" for clothing and to get some free, brand new, toys for children.

The Cranston-based MAE Organization was founded in 2008 by Martinha Javid. Their mission is to promote healing and mental wellness for at-risk individuals and those affected by homelessness by providing basic life needs such as food, shelter and support while uplifting the spirit with therapeutic services focusing on wellness.

All the organizations involved, worked in close contact with MAE organization. From the Cranston Police Department , who donated 100 pies, to Tomaselli's at the Rosario, who donated pizzas, Powder Mill Creamery, who donated the ice cream, and The Thirsty Beaver, that cooked and donated everything else that was needed. The Beaver’s head chef, Andrea Leonardo, volunteered her time to cook and prepare all of the food.

Volunteers from Cranston Cares helped to serve food alongside congregants from Praise Tabernacle.

"There must have over 250 people. The line never ended," said Beaver Co-owner Ed Brady.

The guests were happy to have nutritious and filling food served to them. They were able to have pizza, burgers, fresh garden salad, hot dogs, potato, pasta and macaroni salads, baked beans, chips, apples, ice cream and their choice of beverages.

Each guest was respectful and grateful while being served. Every plate was met with a please, thank you and yes ma’am/sir all day long.

"I try and connect with them eye to eye always with graciousness because they don’t have those types of interactions on a regular basis," said Brady.

After filling their bellies, those in need were able to go inside for a fresh haircut.

Lasondra Pontarelli of Zella Rose Salon, in Cranston, and Dayna Gamba of Rectify Barbershop & Beauty Alcove, of Walpole, MA, donated their time to cut hair at the BBQ.

"I didn’t get a chance to really see what was going on at the actual barbeque but when I walked up the atmosphere was warm and welcoming and I loved the fact that there was music for dancing. In those few seconds it really felt like a family barbeque/gathering. This was my first barbeque I’m volunteering at but I did volunteer at the Thanksgiving event and saw some familiar faces this time around," said Pontarelli.

And, in keeping with most common of Cranston themes, Dayna is a Cranston native and her family's business is Cranston Collision & Auto Repair Center.

"Since I live and operate in the community giving back is more than just a gesture. The entire experience gives me so many emotions and I always leave with a full heart knowing that I made someone's day better with a simple haircut," Pontarelli added.

Being so closely involved with the project, Brady feels a sense of connection and is humbled by the turnout and the support.

"As so many families within our direct communities continue to live paycheck to paycheck and fight during these difficult economic times I remain humbled, thankful, and blessed for the opportunity to serve others from the help of our kind community, he said.

Volunteers shared many intimate moments and conversations with those that needed a helping hand at Praise Tabernacle Church and The RI Dream Center during the annual summer barbeque with The Mae Organization for The Homeless.

"Days like Sunday continue to remind us all we are stronger together and how a kind smile, listening ear or compliment can go a very long way. As we all remain positive and work towards a brighter collective future I remain thankful for everyone who continues to show up, volunteer, and give their time or funds to make these positive days of hope possible, Brady said.

To learn more about the MAE Organization, and their mission, go to their Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/MAE4Life