What started as a customer appreciation party 18 years ago has turned into a way to give back to the community in a big way once a year.

Mike Phipps, owner of the Oxford Tap, uses a night in December every year to thank his loyal customers by doing things like giving away free appetizers during a Christmas party.

When he noticed substantial growth in the event every year, he decided to use the event to give back to the community. So, for the last 10 years, the Tap’s customer appreciation night has also turned into a big food drive for the Oxford-Orion FISH food bank. This year’s event was held on Dec. 6.

“I thought if everybody brought some canned goods, it would be nice,” Phipps said. “But I didn’t know people would bring boxes of food. I mean, it’s amazing what people bring. Each year it gets to be more and more.”

Phipps said the time of year for the donation wasn’t on purpose because the Tap was throwing a Christmas party reardless. But, he’s happy to know the donations go back to neighbors who are in need.

The staff at the Tap doesn’t know exactly how much food was donated this year, but is certain it is more than last year and will continue to grow in the days leading up to the food being taken to FISH’s facility.

“The generosity is overwhelming,” Phipps said. “You know, we enjoy it. It’s just a nice thing to do for folks.”