CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Clutching their frozen treats and plastic cups of ice water, hundreds of kids and parents lined up in the 80 degree temperatures Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s restaurant on Callabridge Court in Charlotte.
As soon as the clock struck five, a wave of cheers and laughter, as McDonald’s owner, Jeff Stanton and his team began to give away 250 backpacks with supplies inside to deserving kids.
“This is the most important thank you we can do. To give back to the people who support us, our restaurants.”
In total, over 1,000 kids will receive backpacks by the end of the giveaway. Stanton’s parents are both teachers, and by holding this four-day event was a no brainer.
“My parents were teachers, for 20 years, and we’ve been McDonalds owners for 20 years. And Ray Crock (the founder of McDonalds) always said the most important thing we can do is be involved with our local economy,” Stanton said.
The National Retail Federation reports the cost of school supplies to be 10 percent higher this year than last year, topping out at $96 on average.
For some parents like Natalie Jones, Tuesday’s backpack is a blessing for her and her son Kevin.
“My child is ready for school. It’s a relief economically. I know he has what he needs,” Jones.
The backpack giveaways continue Wednesday and Thursday starting at 5pm. On Wednesday, the location is at 704 South Main Street in Mount Holly, and Thursday the event takes play at 505 North Main Street in Belmont.
