MISSOULA — Thousands of dollars are being raised for a good cause just outside the gates of the Western Montana Fair.
"If you're headed Western Montana Fair then you have the opportunity to park close by and donate to a good cause," said Sandra Marks.
The Allegiance Benefits employee and American Cancer Society volunteer has helped for several years to raise money for the ACS by renting out parking spaces across from the Western Montana Fair.
"If you come down South Avenue -- as you are going towards Sentinel High School...the fair entrance is across the street, so we kind of have this whole corner here," Marks explained.
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Marks was the only volunteer manning the lot last year and managed to raise $2,800 with all of the money going toward helping Montanans fighting cancer.
"Rides for those who need rides to treatments, we have people who live out in rural areas that need hotel stay, [so] we cover hotel stays," she told MTN News.
American Cancer Society Community Development Manager Kris Holmes says she relies heavily on help from volunteers like Marks.
"I couldn't do this kind of work without the volunteers -- and volunteers like Sandra Marks -- that's why were here," Holmes said.
Several people using the lot have donated for cars that come in after them, or donated to pay for the parking of cancer survivors.
Volunteers say the community support has been wonderful to experience. Donations will be taken through the end of the Western Montana Fair.
