Fan, tweet and eat for a cause

A campaign launched by the Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q chain will benefit victims of the mass shooting at Fort Hood and their families.

The chain and other businesses have partnered with Solders' Angels, a nonprofit that helps veterans and their families, in an effort to give holiday gift packages to each of 43 families affected by the shootings.

Thirteen died and 30 were wounded in the Fort Hood shootings.

The packages will consist of toys, Christmas cards and pre-paid Visa/Mastercard cards that can be used to purchase essential items and for holiday shopping, according to information from Rudy's.

Rudy's has a store at the Western Crossing shopping center at Interstate 40 and Western Street.

Rudy's has said it will donate 50 cents for every new verifiable follower for the chain's Twitter account and fan of its Facebook page through Dec. 7.

Then, on Dec. 5, Rudy's will donate a portion of its revenues from online and store sales to Solders' Angels.

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based non-profit that provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families.

Information about the organization is available by visiting its Web site or calling (626)529-5114.