RINCON, Ga. – The Tin Fin restaurant plans to give away 50 free chicken finger family meals to families affected by the International Paper mill closures in Savannah and Riceboro.

The closures, which will affect about 1,100 employees, have left workers and their communities facing difficult times. In response, local businesses and residents have begun stepping up to help.

“I was shocked and in disbelief,” Tin Fin owner Shaunda Clark said. “Several people have experienced the end of a chapter in their life, and it’s a scary thing.”

Clark said she began brainstorming ways to help the night she heard the news. Her restaurant will provide 50 carryout family meals, each including chicken fingers, a family-sized order of spuds, a garden salad, cookies and a gallon of sweet tea.

“We’re a little mom-and-pop-owned restaurant, so we can’t save the world, but a small gesture might make people realize that others are thinking about them,” Clark said.

The announcement drew excitement and support from the community. Tin Fin also invited sponsors and local partners to participate, and several businesses have reached out to join the effort.

The restaurant is preparing to accept donations so community members can sponsor meals. Clark said a setup is being added to the restaurant’s website to make sponsoring easier. Donors’ names will be attached to meals distributed on giveaway day.

For now, Clark is committed to 50 meals but hopes to offer more if partnerships and donations increase. The giveaway is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

“We’re a small business,” Clark said. “We’re here during the bad times and the good times to support our community.”