Local businesses in the area are gearing up for Thon weekend by donating snacks to support dancers and families.

Rita's Italian Ice, 119 E. Beaver Ave., which is set to open its State College branch this morning, will be providing flavored ice to dancers Saturday evening, said owner Richard Shore.

Shore said the store will be providing enough ice for all 710 dancers -- supplied with 30 two-and-a-half-gallon tubs.

"Thon provides funds for such a good cause, we wanted to participate," Shore said.

The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon kicks off tonight at 6 at the Bryce Jordan Center as hundreds of dancers participate for 46 hours to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund.

Cold Stone Creamery, 321 E. Beaver Ave., is also donating frozen treats to support Thon, said crew leader Laura Szkudlapski (junior-secondary education English).

"I think businesses should support the cause, especially local ones, because the whole State College area should get involved," she said.

Szkudlapski, morale team member, said Cold Stone will have an ice cream social tomorrow night for families and Thon captains.

Pita Pit, 218 E. Calder Way, has prepared party platters for Thon families, as well as dancers, said general manager Robert Walsh.

Irving's Bagels, 110 E. College Ave., donated 3,500 bagels to supply hungry students with breakfast, said crew manager Jaqui Sedlock (senior-kinesiology).

Jimmy John's, 220 W. College Ave., is also making a donation. Jimmy John's Shift Manager Mark Ebro said the restaurant is donating $600 worth of subs.