McDonald’s Serves Donations

The newly renovated McDonald’s on Paul Bunyan Drive welcomed the local Boys and Girls club by donating 20 percent of today’s sales to the club.

“McDonald’s has been involved with the Boys and Girls Club of the United States and across the country for many, many years so it was a really easy transition for us to get involved with our local chapter here,” said Amanda Klinfelter, McDonald’s Advertising & Promotions Manager.

“They’re very community minded and so we’re thankful that they believe in our mission to serve youth in our community to have a safe space after school and in the summer,” said Andrea Ohnstad, Boys & Girls Club Executive Director.

The boys and girls club of Bemidji is a youth serving organization that serves youth ages 6-18 years old. The club offers academic, health and leadership programs year round.

“I like going to the garden and picking all of their fruits and vegetables,” said Jasmine, Boys & Girls Club member.

“The art room because I like painting,” said Rebecca, Boys & Girls Club member.

Kids were on hand passing out items and receiving donations. Members of the community think what McDonald’s is doing is a good thing.

“It just makes me feel like there’s other people who care about what we’re doing and makes us feel like we matter around the community,” said Boys & Girls Club member.

‘This community, Bemidji is excellent. They support their non-profits. It’s just unbelievable,“ said Elsa Znajda, Boys & Girls Club volunteer.

The boys and girls club rewards all who are involved from the kids to the staff.

“To see them grow and become just people and their personalities developing, it’s really great to see,” Kate Stasney, Boys & Girls Club Youth Development Coordinator.

“What I think about Boys & Girls Club? It’s a place that feels like home to me,” said Malik Brewer.