On Thursday night, however, she made about $200 with help from barflies tipping $10, $20 or even $30 to the bartender, who knows every customer by name and his or her favorite drink.

The money was Ms. Elmy's contribution to the Care and Prayer Crusade, an initiative of Augusta Mayor Bob Young to raise $1 million by Monday for the victims and families of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

''There are so many people ... that lost loved ones. Some don't have insurance and have bills to pay,'' said Ms. Elmy, a native of Morrisville, N.J., who has given to charitable causes involving animals, the homeless and orphaned children in the past.

''They need money, and they need to know people are behind them and will do what they can,'' she said. ''We have quite a few generous people in the Lair, and I figured once they knew what it was about they'd donate money.''

Mary Elmy: Fox's Lair bartender donated $200 in tips to mayor's crusade for attack victims. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

And they did.

Frank Harmstad, a regular at the bar, tipped Ms. Elmy $10 after his rounds of Johnny Walker Black and water.

''It was no fault of their own,'' he said about the victims of the World Trade Center. ''I would hope if a bomb hit here, someone would help us.

''You never know when your time will come.''

Dameon Johnson, a native of Long Island, N.Y., said benefits such as Ms. Elmy's donations help bring America together.

''It's been a long time coming for us to unite,'' said Mr. Johnson, who gave $10. ''A crisis brings people closer, even though we hate them.

''Millions of dollars have been lost, and we all have to give.''

Although Ms. Elmy is making the donation, her personal crusade has encouraged other people to donate money to the victims.

Robert Stevens, a waiter at Villa Europa on Deans Bridge Road, said he will donate his tips from working Sunday night.

''It's a good idea, and an easy way to make money,'' said Mr. Stevens, who averages $70 in tips. ''There's money in the restaurant business, and if we all give our money from one night, it all adds up.''

Reach Albert Ross at (706) 823-3339 or ajrossjr@hotmail.com.