Susan Murphy of the Camellia City Civitans, The Butler County Department of Human Resources and Eric Ashford, owner of Shoney’s in Greenville, have joined forces to help a Butler County family have a happy Thanksgiving 2009.

The DHR worked in collaboration with Murphy to provide a family who would benefit from the gift of a Thanksgiving meal from the local restaurant.

Frieda Stevens, DHR director, said, “In this time of economic decline, there are so many needy families. We applaud Shoney’s compassion and generosity and are happy to know this hard-working family with three young children are able to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal at this special time of year.”

Bryant Avery, manager of the Greenville Shoney’s, said, “We want to make a difference in a family’s life during the Thanksgiving holidays.” Ashford added, “I would like to be a blessing to a family in need.”

Murphy said she is thrilled to know these children “will have wonderful memories of a happy Thanksgiving Day due to the outpouring of the hearts of the staff at Shoney’s.”

The economic woes have hit Butler County hard this year, said Stevens.

The numbers of those seeking Food Assistance (formerly called Food Stamp Program) and TANF (Temporary Need to Needy Families) keeps climbing. In October 2009, 2,153 families in the county (5,043 household members) received Food Assistance.

In addition, 133 families receive TANF in Butler County.

Stevens said the DHR is also managing the community-wide Christmas project for needy families.

Donations of money, toys, new clothing, fruit and canned goods will be accepted at the Department of Human Resources, 109 Caldwell Street in Greenville, to be distributed to needy Butler County children, families and the elderly during the holiday season.

Contact Delane Whittle at 382-4400 for more information about donations.