BIDWELL — A local restaurant is working to ensure that no one in Gallia County has to go hungry this Christmas by allowing its customers, just for one day, to pay only what they can afford.

Adopting an idea that that has proven successful in national chains, the Wounded Goose in Bidwell has planned its first “Turn the Tables on Hunger” fundraiser for Tuesday, December 18. Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. customers will be able to decide what they are willing to pay for a meal. Those who can afford to pay more than menu prices are encouraged to do so, and any extra income for the day will be donated to the Living Water Food Pantry in Vinton.

“The idea was inspired by an article I read about certain Panera Bread locations, as well as some restaurants owned by Bon Jovi which have adopted a pay-what-you-can philosophy,” said Samantha Brabham, marketing director for the Wounded Goose.

Brabham said that the Wounded Goose already participates in an ongoing fundraising program involving area schools and churches. If the “Turn the Tables” day is a success, then the restaurant’s owner Katherine Brabham plans to repeat it about once a month, with all surplus income donated to the Living Water Food Pantry.

“Living Water serves over 600 families in Gallia County,” noted Samantha Brabham, “and one family has ten people. That’s around 1,000 to 1,300 people altogether. We’d like to make a difference in their Christmases.”

Brabham said that customers may bring non-perishable food items on Tuesday for the pantry for a chance to win door prizes, and customers can also earn $5 in Goose Bucks for every $50 spent during the event. She added that people can find flyers for the fundraiser on the Wounded Goose’s Facebook page.

“Red’s Rollen Garage and Red’s Truck Center will donate a dollar to the pantry for every share and every ‘like’ we get for the flyer,” Brabham said.

The Wounded Goose is located at 14728 Ohio 554, Bidwell, and The Living Water Food Pantry may be found at 863 Porter Rd., Vinton.