McDonald’s owner/operators from throughout the Ohio region warmed hearts on a chilly day Wednesday, March 27, during a special presentation of $10,000 worth of McDonald’s Arch Cards to United Way of Logan County at the Multi-Agency Resource Center in Russells Point.
The United Way and partnering agencies will distribute the cards to those across Logan County, who have been impacted by the recent tornado and to those who are helping restore the community, said Becca McGillis, United Way donor relations director.
Local McDonald’s owners on hand for the presentation said the hope is that the Arch Cards will help feed families a hot meal and offer a place for them to refuel and recharge with access to Wi-Fi and electricity to power devices.
“This will put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces,” said Stacy Vorhees, who owns and operates the McDonald’s in Russells Point and other surrounding communities. “When our fellow McDonald’s owner operators from throughout the state saw the devastation and destruction the tornado caused, they graciously asked how they could help our community.”
“We hope that by partnering with the service organizations at the Multi-Agency Resource Centers, we are able to help support the community as we continue to rebuild,” added McDonald’s owner/operator Benny Scott, who operates restaurants in Logan County. “Whether it’s a meal, electricity, Wi-Fi, or just a sense of some normalcy, McDonald’s is a place for members of our community to feel at home.”
Austin Miller, McDonald’s of Russells Point general manager, said the restaurant at 431 E. Main St., Russells Point, lost power for about 24 hours after the March 14 storm, but didn’t sustain any major damage. The quick service restaurant was up and running again on Saturday, March 16.
The Russells Point McDonald’s also has rallied around three families employed at the restaurant who lost everything in the tornado, Miller noted.
Among the agencies partnering with the United Way to distribute the Arch Cards are the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce.
“Donations like this are so helpful to meet an immediate need,” said Amber Fagan, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce president. “We’re so appreciative to our community and so many different organizations for stepping up to help those affected by the storm.
“The chamber has helped displaced families, including 13 families that we put up in hotels on night one of the storm. Now, there are three families left who are staying in hotels, with the other families finding other housing options.”
The Indian Lake Chamber also is working directly with Indian Lake Schools, including with groups like the Indian Lake High School Clothing Closet to directly assist students and their families, Fagan noted.
The United Way of Logan County is coordinating the two Multi-Agency Resource Centers for victims. In Russells Point, the center is located behind Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop, 337 E. Main St.; and Lakeview, the center is next to Osgood Bank, 165 E. Lake St.
Representatives from agencies such as the American Red Cross, Bridges Community Action, Community Health & Wellness Partners, Logan County Department of Job & Family Services, and multiple government and non-profit agencies will be present to help victims apply for benefits and other assistance.
Hours are: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cindy Frantz, Scott Family McDonald’s, right, presents McDonald’s Arch Cards, and Stacy Vorhees, McDonald’s owner/operator, second from the right, holds a $10,000 check, which was presented to the United Way of Logan County Wednesday afternoon. Also pictured, from the left, are Becca McGillis, United Way of Logan County donor relations director; Amber Fagan, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce president; Ashley Mack, McDonald’s supervisor; and Austin Miller, McDonald’s of Russells Point general manager. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)