JACKSONVILLE — Two stores from a local chain will donate a percentage of sales from their April 6 customer appreciation days to their favorite projects as a show of community support through its “Harry's Helping Hands” program.

In Troup, Harry's Building Materials will hold its sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., and help support the Troup FFA, said retail manager Gayle Bruner.

“Last year we raised funds for New Creations Foundation in Troup, the local Church of Christ and the Troup youth baseball team,” she said. “I don't remember how much we raised, but it's something that Harry (Tosh who owns the four-store chain) started doing and people are supportive because the money goes back into the community.”

Bruner added that the store has been long-time supporters of the local FFA group, by sponsoring a recent youth event and helping maintain project pens at the school.

“We've tried to help as much as we could throughout the years,” she said.

Funds raised by the Rusk store will benefit Mission: Malawi, which ministers to natives of the African country.

The 7 a.m.-1 p.m. event features free hamburgers and beverages, and a $250 grand prize drawing at 1 p.m. (winner must be present), along with various other prizes and a 25 percent discount on the items a customer can fit into a five-gallon bucket.

Rodney Norman, manager of the Jacksonville store, said that no date has been set for the local appreciation day, but that funds will be collected for Elijah's Retreat, a non-profit, Christ-centered retreat operated in East Texas that ministers to families of children with autism.

According to the website www.elijahs-retreat.com, ranch owners Jeff and Kathie Moore started the ministry in honor of their autistic grandson, Elijah. Their goal, the site said, “is for six cabins to be built among the towering pine and oak trees overlooking pastures with horses and goats. The hope is that families will come and enjoy the quiet, peaceful setting where the children can run and play and make as much noise as they want without fear of people who don’t understand them.”

An associate from Harry's Building Supply in Nacogdoches also said no date has been set, nor has a recipient been identified.

However, last year, associates donated funds to the Nacogdoches Fire House, which provides temporary shelter to those displaced from their homes by fire.

Harry's began in 1955 with a small store in Rusk, according to the company website.