McDonald’s restaurants across New York, Maine, and Pennsylvania are stepping up to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. On Wednesday, August 5, participating locations hosted the second annual Golden Arches Pack Giveback Program, offering free backpacks filled with school supplies.
The giveaway aimed to alleviate the financial pressure that comes with buying new supplies and clothes. Organizers noted that the program reflects local owner/operators’ ongoing commitment to supporting families and giving back to the communities they serve.
Each student received one backpack, and students had to be present to claim them. Supplies were distributed while they lasted. In the Capital Region, a full list of participating restaurants was made available online. Southern Tier locations included Corning, Ithaca, Norwich, and Hancock in New York, while Pennsylvania sites in Towanda and Bradford took part as well.
In Maine, eight restaurants joined the effort, including those on Wilson Street in Brewer, North Street in Calais, Dublin Street in Machias, and Bennett Drive in Caribou.
Many events also featured partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local elected officials. According to Mia Bouchard, McDonald's HR and Operations Manager, the initiative is deeply meaningful for those involved. “Like any small business, we really do like to give back to our communities. It’s really important to us. It touches our customers, our families, our employees’s families. It’s just a great feel-good moment to be able to give back to your community,” she said.
Leftover backpacks were distributed to local schools in each area, ensuring that no supplies went to waste.