McDonald’s Hosts Fundraisers to Help Ledyard Residents

The McDonalds in Gales Ferry has offered to lend a hand to residents in the Town of Ledyard by donating 15 percent of its sales on Thursday, April 11 to the town’s social services department.

Store supervisor Charles Vollhardt said the store will donate 15 percent of sales taken from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at both the drive through and the counter on that day.

Doris Fonner, the head of social services said that as someone who is used to asking for money from local organizations, she was absolutely delighted and surprised that Vollhardt had reached out to her.

“It’s absolutely wonderful, I never expected 15 percent,” said Fonner.

Vollhardt, who works for, S & K Spero of Madison, said that he has hosted a number of such fundraisers in the 11 locations owned by the company. He said the four-hour fundraisers typically raise around $200-300 but that can vary.

“How successful it is, is up to the organization,” said Vollhardt. “Their job is to get the word out and draw people in.”

Vollhardt said he wants the community to feel like McDonalds is also a part of their community and neighborhood. To that end, Vollhardt also installed a community bulletin board in the restaurant and has offered his parking lot for car washes. He said he’s willing to work with all community groups who are trying to raise money.

In fact, on Wednesday, March 20, McDonalds will be hosting a fundraiser for the LHS class of 2013. Vollhardt said that from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., McDonalds will donate 15 percent of their sales to LHS class of 2012.

“Any little thing we can do to show the people that McDonalds is part of the neighborhood, we’ll do,” he said.