Recovery from the Great Recession continues, and there are signs of prosperity in North Kitsap. The city’s share of sales tax revenue generated in the city in 2010 was $2.85 million, $73,691 more than in 2009. And revenue collected from business conducted here by firms located elsewhere, like construction companies, was a little more than $1 million, more than in all previous years.

Poulsbo city officials are working to lure a hotel downtown to spur more economic development in that section of the city. A new medical center has opened at Olhava. Property owners on Viking Avenue are working on a plan to attract new businesses to that once vibrant stretch of commerce.

And yet, there is a lot of need in our community. Unemployment is at about 8.8 percent, although the rate could be higher because that number only reflects the number of people who are receiving unemployment checks.

Several downtown storefronts are empty. Local businesses, governments and schools have tightened their belts and/or reduced hours of service.

And so, we are thankful for the many ways that North Kitsap residents have each other’s backs.

North Kitsap Fishline meets the food and shelter needs of about 5,400 people a month. ShareNet meets the food needs of people in the Kingston area. The Peninsulas 2-1-1 call center helped connect 3,782 people with health and human services in 2010. When the temperature is freezing, volunteers open and staff emergency shelters. Canned food drives and fundraisers help keep local food banks stocked.

Even though pocketbooks are thinner, North Kitsap residents still find ways to help others on a more global scale, raising money for quake and tsunami relief in Japan, cancer research and treatment through Relay For Life, and economic development and human needs in Africa.

There are, of course, numerous other local programs that meet needs in the community and in our world. The work of all assures us of this: Recovery from the Great Recession continues. We’ll get through it, but only together.

The following organizations and churches provide free meals to help meet local needs and build community relationships:

— Third Monday of the month, 5 p.m., St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, 18943 Caldart Ave. NE, Poulsbo. (360) 697-2679.

— Last Monday, 5-7 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1700 NE Lincoln Road, Poulsbo. (360) 779-4746.

— Fourth Tuesday, 4-6 p.m., North Kitsap Baptist Church, 20516 Little Valley Road, Poulsbo. (360) 779-4689.

— Every Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., Suquamish United Church of Christ, 18732 Division Ave. NE, Suquamish. (360) 598-4434. (In months with five Wednesdays, no dinner is served the fourth Wednesday.)

— Every Thursday, 5-6 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 18920 4th Ave., Poulsbo. (360) 779-2622.

— First Friday, 6 p.m., Christ Memorial Church, 18901 8th Ave. NE, Poulsbo. (360) 779-5515.

— Last Friday, 5:30-7 p.m., VFW Hall (hosted by Bayside Church), 26096 W. 1st St. NE, Kingston.