From cornhole bags to shopping tags, the mission of Operation HOPE was all around Fairfield Saturday with two signature fundraisers that benefit one central cause.

“To end homelessness and hunger, one client at a time, one person at a time,” volunteer Trudi Durrell said.

The tag sale is a Fairfield tradition, now done at host homes instead of one big expo. You never know what bargains you may find, with proceeds benefiting Operation HOPE.

“They make a great difference in the community,” tag sale host Donna Ertel said.

“More and more people are using our food pantry and coming to our community kitchen,” Operation HOPE Executive Director Carla Miklos said. “At the same time, people are donating a little less. It's a little harder to make a meal for 50 people, it's a little harder to donate groceries when they're so expensive."

Just a little down the road at Jennings Beach, the Fairfield co-op hockey team offered their own assist. Their annual cornhole tournament usually serves as a program booster, but this year, the thousands raised are going to Operation HOPE.

“We’re fortunate enough where we never have to worry about the next meal on the table, and we’re fortunate enough to play hockey,” co-captain Ryan Flynn said. “We wanted to use our platform to give back to an organization that does so much in our community.

Some summer fun in the sun - to offer a little HOPE for the future.

Operation HOPE accepts all donations, but is in particular need of granola bars, rice and personal hygiene items. You can find their full wish list here.