![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/Story-1-photo1-1024x683.jpg\")
Late into the first year\u2019s event, a man approached WYTM\u2019s owner, John Malone, asking if donations were still being accepted. Handing over a small bag with four cans, he apologized, explaining it was all he could spare. Then he shared his story \u2014 once down to his last can of food, unsure when he\u2019d afford more, he now wanted to give what little he could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He knew firsthand how much of a difference just a few extra cans in the pantry can make,” Barnett recalled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That spirit of giving has only grown. In 2024, the Day of Giving raised nearly $9,000 for Hands of Mercy and $1,500 for the humane society and collected almost 50 coats. Barnett\u2019s store serves as a drop-off point, and people continue to contribute throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most rewarding moment came when Barnett presented the proceeds to the Hands of Mercy director, Tina Hudson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As Tina spoke about the impact of our donations, she became emotional \u2026 In that moment, every hour, dollar, and effort I had put into preparing for my second Day of Giving felt completely justified.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barnett doesn’t take the generosity of the community for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The food and funds we\u2019ve raised were swiftly put to use, providing essential support and nourishment to both people and pets throughout Lincoln County,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Barnett, it all started with a simple box. Now, it\u2019s a movement \u2014 one that keeps growing, fueled by the kindness of those willing to give, no matter how much or how little they have. GN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can follow Elk River Trading Company on Facebook or visit the store at 1703 Huntsville Hwy., Fayetteville, (931) 297-2170, or elkrivertrading.com.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LIKE THE sky overhead, most of Fayetteville is still asleep when Rob Barnett arrives at Elk River Trading Company on a cold December Saturday morning. Today isn\u2019t about sales \u2014 it\u2019s about giving back. Barnett\u2019s commitment to service began in 2020 with a simple \u201cblessing box\u201d inspired by Lisa Little of Fieldstone Jewelry & Pawn […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":23891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n