HOPE -- The Hope Chest, established more than four years ago to help citizens having financial troubles, is due for plumping up with a July 27 chicken barbeque to be held at the Hope Corner Fire Station.

"We wanted to do something to help," said Hope Fire Chief Clarence Keller. "That's what we do. We help people in need."

The second annual chicken barbeque will again feature Neal Peabody's secret basting recipe, a favorite among local cooks who spend time at grills for events and fundraisers. Peabody, who has since died, worked for Camden's highway crew and was famous for his chicken barbeque fundraisers at the Camden Snow Bowl.

"The chicken is basted while your turn it," said Nancy Keller. "Oh my gosh, it is good."

The Hope Chest was established in 2008 when the Hope Board of Selectmen realized there was a gap in financial assistance. The selectmen, as official municipal overseers of the poor, are tasked with distributing state and local money to the disadvantaged, but the guidelines are so specific and stringent, many people who need help do not qualify.

That's the gap that then-selectman Ray Sisk wanted to bridge, and suggested the selectmen in 2008 forego their annual stipend to begin building the Hope Chest. The other two selectmen agreed, and with the economy collapsing in 2009, the chest took on more significance.

"It is a fund to help folks get groceries or some gallons of oil," said Sisk. "It's a jar on the counter, drop in a quarter thing."

The subject of the needy arose at Hope's 2013 Annual Town Meeting in June when, at various points during spending discussions, citizens referenced poverty-stricken residents who are unable to shoulder tax increases.

After town meeting, the fire department discussed the need to help build the chest and agreed to donate profits from the chicken barbeque to it.

The dinner begins at 5 p.m., July 27, at the Hope Corner Fire Station, 475 Camden Road. Only 200 dinners are available, and they will include half of a chicken for each plate, potato salad, coleslaw, pickles, roll, drink and a dessert. The price for each dinner is $10; eat in or take out.

"Our hopes are not only to raise money but also to raise awareness that we need to work together as a community," said Clarence Keller. "We all need to reach out and help because these people don't typically ask for help."