For the past four years the local community has come together to help families in need through a fundraiser managed by The Barnyard Cafe in Marshall.
“People in this area are pretty generous” and “very good-hearted,” said Barnyard Cafe owner Steve McComas.
Past years have seen a “really good success rate,” he said, adding that 2013, in particular, was “huge.”
And this year, The Barnyard Café hopes to help 50 families.
“We’re really going to push it this year,” McComas said, adding that those involved are “really excited about it.”
Bins for donations were set up at the restaurant on Tuesday and will stay out until Dec. 21. The Barnyard Cafe is collecting food for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as new coats and toys.
“We want to help out with Christmas toys,” McComas said.
Monetary donations will also be accepted.
McComas said forms will be available for people to leave names or phone numbers of families in need.
New to the fundraiser this year will be a no-cost dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4-8 p.m. McComas said people are encouraged to come, eat, and donate “whatever they can donate.”
If people cannot donate, McComas said, they are “more than welcome to still come in and eat.”
The dinner, he added, will include turkey, mashed potatoes, noodles, and dressing.
McComas said that the ultimate goal of the fundraiser is to “just collect whatever we can.” He said, “I’ve been blessed, and I want to help people how I can.”
He added that the fundraiser was first started “for the kids.”
“But we found out there’s more than kids who need help,” McComas said.
For more information, call The Barnyard Cafe at 937-466-2332. The restaurant is located at 10940 SR 124 in Marshall.
Reach Sarah Allen at 937-393-3456, ext. 1680, or on Twitter @SarahAllenHTG.
