The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Holiday food drive kicks off
Broad Street Burger King hosts breakfast event
Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, along with partners WOBL/WDLW and Burger King, kicked off their annual “Holiday Cheer” on Nov. 30 to provide meals to those in need.
The event, now in its 35th year, was at the Burger King, 616 West Broad St. in Elyria, with a kick-off breakfast that allowed people to come in, donate $5 and get a free breakfast.
“This is one of the biggest fundraisers we do each year, and is something we are honored to be a part of,” said Sully Renuart, president and CEO of Midwest-R Management, which oversees Burger Kings in the area. “Every dollar provides five meals to those in need, and I’m glad we can have a part in that.”
Renuart said people can donate money, as part of “Holiday Cheer,” until Dec. 24.
“People can come to Burger King, place their order and the cashier will ask them if they would like to donate,” he said. “Those who donate will receive Burger King coupons. Money donated will later be given to Second Harvest.”
Since its inception, Renuart said “Holiday Cheer” has raised more money each year.
“We received $70,000 last year, and our goal is $75,000,” he said. “I believe based on the partnerships involved, we will raise $100,000.
“This is also a belief in how charitable our communities are in this area. People really want to help, and this gives them a way to do it; no donation is too small.”
Susan Bartosch, director of external affairs at Second Harvest of North Central Ohio, said WOBL/ WDLW and Burger King have done a great job with the event.
“They really do an awesome job,” Bartosch said. “They do a great job of raising awareness and are the reasons something like this is continuing in year 35.”
Donating for the food drive is a simple process, she said.
“They have the option to donate when they come to Burger King, or they can go to our website, www.secondharvestfoodbank.org, and donate online,” Bartosch said. “I just can’t thank WOBL/WDLW and Burger King enough for what they do each year for this; we couldn’t do it without them.”
Douglas B. Wilber, coowner of WOBL/WDLW, said “Holiday Cheer” is one of the greatest things at the end of the year.
“I don’t know how you can look around this restaurant, with all the people here, and think we haven’t accomplished something good,” Wilber said. “We’ve raised over a million dollars over the 35 years of the drive.
“The first year we brought in $3,500, and it has grown every year since.”
Wilber said the event has evolved in some respects over the years, but it still remains the same for the most part.
“The event is still, at its core, about providing meals for those who need them during the holidays,” he said. “There is a real need out there, and we need to continue to do our part to help.”