Restaurant owner responds to column

As a McDonald's owner operator and local, small business owner, I feel compelled to respond to Bob Miller's opinion [column] from Sunday, April 26, regarding partnerships with schools.

I and hundreds of McDonald's owners across the country have a strong belief in supporting our local communities and those issues or projects that are important to them. In this area, the Jackson School District has become a key focus of our efforts and we have a long, proud history of making an impact where we are able.

Our past efforts to support the Jackson R-2 School Foundation have accumulated over $19,000 since 2008, going toward school programs across the district. We have been able to do so thanks to the support of the community during numerous McTeacher's Nights at the restaurant.

In addition to this support, the area McDonald's representatives have managed and funded a Ronald McDonald House Charities grant program. Since 2010, schools in our area, including Orchard Elementary, North Elementary, South Elementary and West Lane Elementary, have received nearly $34,000 in awards for reading programs and electronics to advance our children's educations.

I am proud of and passionate about the school systems in the communities I serve and will continue to search for new ways to partner with these groups in order to make a positive impact for years to come.

If you have any questions about our organization or our programs, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I would appreciate your interest.

Sincerely & also lovin' it,

Shannon Davis, Cape Girardeau