By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
CULVER — Susie Mahler of Culver’s Café Max has a holiday tradition of helping the homeless around the county.
Every year the Culver restaurant holds its “Thanksgiving for the Homeless” to benefit the Marshall County Humane Society and the homeless animals they care for. For Mahler, it’s a labor she loves.

“How can you choose?” she said when asked her favorite animal. “It’s like asking what’s your favorite ice cream.”
The Café will accept monetary donations or pet supplies for donation to the Humane Society. Each monetary donation will also put the giver in a drawing for a nutcracker prize. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 16.
“Pet supplies are just as needed as money,” said Mahler. “It’s especially good for the kids since they can identify with the fact that they gave an animal food to eat as opposed to just putting money from Mom or Dad’s wallet into the slot. It’s a good exercise for learning to give.”
Even used supplies can be donated.
“If people have lost a pet or have food a pet didn’t like they can bring in used supplies and open bags,” said Mahler. “They can be used by others or at the shelter.”
Nancy Cox of the Humane Society says that all gifts are very helpful. The shelter had record numbers of animals over the summer and the number keeps growing.
“As times get tougher people are starting to get rid of family pets,” said Cox. “What we’re trying to do is keep these pets in the homes. There aren’t enough homes for these animals and we’re going to try to help families that truly want to keep their pets.”
While items on the shelter’s wish list remain in short supply, Christmas time project’s such as the one at Café Max are helping.
“The sixth graders at Riverside and the third graders at Menominee are having their annual drive,” said Cox. “Instead of having a gift exchange they bring supplies for the animals.”
If you would like to help you can see the shelter wish list at the Humane Society website at  www.mchsshelter.org.