Clay's Cafe changed holiday plans to help others

• Employees of Clay's Cafe will be collecting donations for the homeless, instead of having a holiday party.
• They are collecting monetary donations, coats, socks, blankets and toiletry items, especially feminine products.
• Items can be dropped off before Dec. 9 at the cafe, located at 808 W. Main St. in Hebron.

HEBRON – Every year, Glenna and Mark Jones organize a special holiday party for all their employees at Clay's Cafe.

In the past, they've done a game show night or organized a talent show.

But this fall, a trip to Salt Lake City inspired them to do something different, said their daughter Susan Jones, who is manager of the cafe.

In Utah for a conference, the Jones family saw hungry homeless people on the street and tried to pass out food for them.

They couldn't stop thinking about them or the homeless people they see when they are shopping for supplies in Columbus, Susan said.

"Our employees started asking, 'What are we doing for a Christmas party this year?' And I didn't want it to be about us, I wanted it to be about other people," she said. "I decided to make it a day of service, instead of a day about ourselves."

On Dec. 13, the entire restaurant's staff will get on a tour bus, travel to the Holy Family Soup Kitchen and serve a full holiday meal to the homeless.

They'll also deliver coats, blankets, socks and toiletries to anyone who needs them.

"We really want employees to have the chance to serve these people," Glenna said. "We want our employees to engage and do a day of service."

It's possible they will serve dinner to about 400 people, Susan said.

The cafe is in need of financial donations to cover the costs of food. They are also collecting coats, socks, blankets and toiletry items, especially feminine products.

Items can be dropped off before Dec. 9 at the cafe, located at 808 W. Main St. in Hebron.

Instead of doing a gift exchange, Clay's employees are purchasing toiletries and other items.

So far everyone on staff seems really excited, Susan said.

"Some are saying, 'This is going to be the best Christmas party we've ever had,' so that's really cool," she said.

Many of their employees are high school and college students, so Glenna said she's looking forward to seeing them gain new perspective.

"We really want to them to know giving to others will bring you joy," she said.

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries 

How to help

Clay's Cafe is collecting monetary donations, coats, socks, blankets and toiletry items, especially feminine products.

Items can be dropped off before Dec. 9 at the cafe, located at 808 W. Main St. in Hebron.

If you're looking for more ways to help others this holiday season, check out the list below.