TEBBETTS, Mo. - Emily Eikermann is no stranger to the Tebbetts community banding together over food.
The planner of the monthly community dinner has seen many a Tebbetts citizen pile into the Community Hall over the years. But this month, she has her plate full with a double portion.
Eikermann is helping coordinate a different dinner 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the Community Hall to benefit Lily and Roy Renke, who lost their home off Missouri 94 to a fire in March.
Eikermann and Kay Hord are cooking scalloped potatoes, baked beans and homemade bread to complement Sam Richards' pork steaks, brats and hot dogs, while various members of the community are bringing in salads, homemade ice creams and cookies.
For a donation of $7.50, guests can enjoy as much as they can eat, with all proceeds going toward the Renkes.
"They're community, and they need help," Eikermann said. "They're going to rebuild, and we figure if we can make any money, we're going to go to Lowe's and get them cards to buy whatever they need. They're just part of the community, and that's what they do down here."
Eikermann said the Renkes moved to Tebbetts about 15 years ago and have been a part of the community ever since, becoming close personal friends with Eikermann and her husband.
In March, a motorist reported the blaze while driving by and was able to save the family cat and dog. Their livestock and tractor were also spared from the flames, but everything else - including photos of their children and other antiques and keepsakes - were lost.
"It just hit everybody hard, but nobody got hurt," Eikermann said. "As a community, we've been giving them extras that we have and hopefully when they get their house rebuilt, they won't have to go out and buy very much."
Those interested in helping out or finding out more information about the dinner can call Emily Eikermann at (573) 395-4850.