Fisher’s Tips ‘N Chips BBQ is not just known for signature food. The restaurant, owned by Donna and Rob Fisher, is also known for its charitable acts that seek to better the community. That legacy is continuing this summer with the Stuff a Backpack drive. From July 18 to Aug. 19, the restaurant will be collecting school supplies and backpacks to donate to local youth in need. The drive will end with a live wrestling match event at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the restaurant.

School supplies can be dropped off at the restaurant, 3135 S. 11th St., during business hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday.

The community’s need for such a project is evident.

“There are a lot of kids in the area that are not able to buy new school supplies,” Donna said.

In 2010, the couple opened their first brick and mortar restaurant just over the Michigan border in South Bend. That same year, they started the Stuff a Backpack program to give back to the community.

In fact, Donna and Rob’s business started out as a fundraiser. In 2000, the couple began selling their homemade barbecue on the corners and at gas stations in Michiana to raise money for their church, Power in Praise in South Bend.

This year, they moved the restaurant to the former location of stateline Dairy Queen in Niles, where they will be continuing their tradition of giving back to local students.

“There are a lot of people out there that need help. Some do not know where to turn to get help,” Donna said.

Donna and her family know what that is like. Before owning the restaurant, the family faced times where they struggled to make ends meet. In some instances, the family needed the support of local charitable services.

Now, the family sees a new opportunity.

“God has blessed us and now it is time to bless back,” Donna said. “We have been blessed. Look at where we are at.”

Through a partnership with area schools, families in need are identified and given a voucher. With the voucher, the parents can come to the restaurant and pick up their child’s new supplies. Some are surprised to find out that a mom and pop restaurant is offering such a thing, Donna said.

“They [the parents] are very grateful,” Donna said. “They [the children] are very excited. They can go to school with full supplies on the first day.”

Donna said the goal is to fill all the backpacks received with supplies.  She encouraged the community to support the cause.

“Just help with the children in need,” Donna said.

For more information contact the restaurant at (269) 262-4002.