MARIETTA — The owner of a local Chick-fil-A is hoping to raise more than $5,000 this month to help local schools and organizations.

Zach Thomas, who lives in Polk County but took over the Chick-fil-A at the corner of MacLand and Powder Springs roads in 2008, said they host fundraisers throughout the year, but their goal this month is to help as many Cobb Countians as they could by having 10 charitable events.

“This month, we really wanted to focus on keeping it local,” Thomas said.

A portion of the sales on a given fundraising day will go toward the organizations or schools of Thomas’ choice.

Last year they raised enough money in December to build a well in El Salvador over the summer.

On Wednesday, the store opened at midnight for the first time, and a portion of the proceeds went to the Cobb-based organization Certified Officers of Public Safety Curing Kids’ Cancer, which was started by Cobb Police Officer Mike Bowman and Sgt. Bonnie Smith about two years ago.

“It is a good thing that the business community recognizes the fact that this is a worthy cause,” Bowman said. “It is great any time that we can help someone else.　If we all could learn to ‘pay it forward,’ think what kind of community we would live in.”

The organization is a stem of Curing Kids’ Cancer, which is also based out of Cobb and focuses on funding the best research treatment for pediatric cancer.

“You have to visit the hospital, the children and the families to really appreciate what it is that we are trying to help do,” Bowman said. “Anything and everything that the people and businesses are willing to do is greatly appreciated.”

On Friday, the Marietta Chick-fil-A will raise money for another cause, Team Red, White and Blue, which helps U.S. veterans, by hosting Military Appreciation Day between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Additional fundraisers this month were conducted for West Cobb Christian Academy, Tapp Middle School, LaBelle Elementary School, Cumberland Christian Academy, Battle Buddies, Scottish Rite of Atlanta, “Hope for Christmas” with Trinity Chapel, Powder Springs Elementary School and the Center for Children and Young Adults.

Thomas’ goal at each fundraiser has been to raise around $1,000.

During the entire month of December, collection cans were set up in the restaurants to also raise money for Calvary Children's Home in Powder Springs. Thomas plans to match dollar for dollar the amount donated to the cause.

“It’s a win-win for everyone. People not only get fed but can support an organization and help us meet our sales goal,” he said. “It’s always a good way to connect with an organization that has a great cause.”