McDonald’s restaurants in Southwest Florida invite customers and members of the community to help collect new school supplies for local students in need. From Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, customers are encouraged to stop by participating restaurants in Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Lee counties, as well as two restaurants in North Port (Sarasota County), and drop off supplies in the school bus-shaped boxes in the restaurant lobbies.
“We are always seeking to give back to our communities, especially to local families that give so much to us,” said Darlene Tregunno, who owns four McDonald’s restaurants in Lehigh Acres and Ft. Myers. “With 50 McDonald’s restaurants across Southwest Florida collecting supplies, we believe our customers will help us make a real impact in giving items to students in need.”
Suggested donations include notebook paper, pens, #2 pencils, crayons, glue sticks, rulers, small index cards, highlighters, notebooks and three-ring binders. In Lee County, all supplies collected will be donated to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
“Our teachers do an excellent job of engaging our students in learning and preparing them for their futures as productive citizens, however, if a student does not have the tools necessary to succeed, then learning at the highest level cannot take place,” said Marshall T. Bower, President and CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “Making sure all students have the supplies needed to succeed is of paramount importance, and community partners like McDonald’s help us to reach this goal. With 70% of our students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the need is very high in our school district. McDonald’s is helping us to make sure students come to school prepared to learn!”
The first 150 people in each restaurant to donate a school supply will receive a “Be Our Guest” card for a free Happy Meal®. Customers now have the option to choose between Yoplait® Go-GURT® Low Fat Strawberry Yogurt or a bag of apple slices as part of their Happy Meal side choices. Made exclusively for McDonald’s, Go-GURT Low Fat Strawberry Yogurt has 50 calories per labeled serving, 25 percent less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt and is made with natural flavor.
About McDonald’s Southwest Florida Restaurants
McDonald’s is one of the world’s best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are 57 McDonald’s restaurants, owned and operated by seven franchisees, located throughout Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Lee counties, as well as part of Sarasota county. Follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds_SWFL) for information about McDonald’s area programs.