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A delicious and convenient fundraiser is returning to Suffolk this weekend.

The Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk is holding its fifth annual barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church, 3488 Godwin Blvd.

CAPS is one of the many nonprofits that took a hit in fundraising since the arrival of COVID-19 in March. Gathering restrictions made it difficult to plan their usual events.

“This spring, we were on track to do our second benefit concert and a large yard sale,” said Emily Arters, fundraising chairman of CAPS. “Once COVID came, we had to put a stop to both.”

This annual barbecue fundraiser will provide CAPS money to help Suffolk residents who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

“All the money will go directly to help clients CAPS have with needs,” said Arters. “CAPS tries to prevent homelessness by talking to landlords and helping with payments for those who are out of work due to many reasons like a sickness. Clients come for lots of different reasons, and CAPS wants to do all they can to help.”

The barbecue lunches are $12 apiece and include Captain Bob’s barbecue, fried chicken, coleslaw, mac and cheese and hushpuppies. Volunteers will wear masks and gloves as they hand out the clamshell containers of food to the drive-through cars.

“It’s great because this was already a socially distant fundraiser even before COVID, so all we had to do is add masks since volunteers already wore gloves,” said Arters.

With COVID continuing the economic stress on businesses, unemployment is still affecting many. This fundraiser is an easy way to help those in need during these trying times.

“We hope to sell a lot of tickets so we can help our neighbors,” said Arters. “Soon, the eviction bans will be lifted, and cold weather will come in. CAPS needs support in order to be there to help people on the wrong end of the situation.”

To buy tickets, visit capsuffolk.org/bbq or call 757-935-5497.