By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
NORTH KINGSVILLE — A handful of local merchants have banded to lend a hand to three families in time for the holidays.
A campaign mounted by the Village Mini Mart, Kray’s Co. and Helen’s Corner Restaurant, all in North Kingsville; and Scott’s Automotive in Conneaut, raised enough money to buy gifts and provisions for three families, said Tim Condor of the Mini Mart.
The businesses, aided by their customers, will assist families that include six children, Condor said. The campaign sprang from a discussion about the sour economy, he said.
“We just wanted to do something because so many are out of work,” Condor said. “We just started talking about it.”
As word spread, offers of help began arriving, Condor said.
“People just wanted to donate,” he said. “Our customers are really helping.”
Local churches provided the names of worthy recipients, Condor said. “We know the money is going to people who need it,” he said.
Thanks to the response, the program could be repeated in 2010, Condor said.
“It was well-accepted,” he said. “We’ll get more families next year.”
