GRANVILLE — The Thirsty Beaver Bar & Grill in Granville has announced donations of $13,500 to local organizations, in partnership with the Aggie Foundation.

The Thirsty Beaver has donated $3,000 to the Cops and Kids program; $1,000 to First Lutheran Church of Granville; $1,000 to Granville’s American Legion, Post 1155; $1,000 to the Granville FFA; $1,000 to the Granville Agricultural Education Department; $500 to the Granville EDC; $2,500 to the McHenry County food pantry; $1,500 to Granville Public School; and $2,000 to the Granville Rural Fire Department.

“I’d describe Granville as a family,” said Dustin Frounfelter, owner of the Thirsty Beaver. “We want people to feel like they belong, and we want to provide support in this community. We really look to help out the youth. Growth comes from helping out one another.”

The concept of creating a community family was mirrored in statements by Tonya Hunskor, principal of Granville’s K-12 school.

“These donations from local businesses and the Aggie Foundation help our school feel more like a home, and that’s important. We work really hard to make sure every child and family feels like they are welcome at our school and are an important part of our community,” Hunskor said.

The school used its donation to cover three programs. The Backpack Buddy program was allocated $500 and offers backpacks of food to students and families in need. Donations also help provide meals and snacks to students who may arrive early or stay late at school. Another $500 will assist the Family Night fund, with the final $500 supporting the purchase of holiday gifts for students.

“We want to close the gaps for families, whether that’s with the meal boxes or handing out gifts like we did this past week. It’s fabulous to see how these community connections have allowed us to provide something extra for our students. We can make any contribution go a long way. A partnership like this can make an immense impact for many families,” Hunskor said.

Ashley Bachmeier, advisor and instructor for Granville FFA and Agriculture Education program students, notes that the donations will assist with the purchase of classroom and shop materials as well as benches for community use. There are currently 50 active FFA members and 65 students studying agriculture in grades 7 through 12.

“Without active and supportive community members and businesses, we would not be able to attend FFA events, or stay up-to-date with technology in the classroom,” Bachmeier said.

The partnership between the Thirsty Beaver and the Aggie Foundation will continue to allow Frounfelter and his team to identify and work with local groups in need of economic support. In addition, the two organizations are sponsoring a free poker night event. The Thirsty Beaver Bar & Grill will host the event on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. This event marks the kick-off to similar poker nights taking place across the state.