20 Apr Volunteer Spotlight: McDonald’s Operator John Hurt

Every third Thursday, John Hurt, a Hearts & Hands Society member, and his crew drive down Clifton Road, their cars laden with casseroles, roast beef, salad, mashed potatoes, and other homemade goodies ready to be delivered to families at the Ronald McDonald House near Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.  It’s a special delivery each month for John and his wife, Shiroleen, who own 17 McDonald’s locations around metro Atlanta and has been an Owner/Operator for nearly two decades.

His volunteer visits to the Ronald McDonald House began more than five years ago after visiting one of the two Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses with his restaurant supervisors and staff for a meeting. “We saw there was a need and thought providing dinner at least once a month was a small way to give back to these families challenged with such difficult situations.”

Five years later, John and his crew are still going strong and their volunteer roster is filled with folks clamoring to help. Everyone joins in serving, from his McDonald’s supervisors and staff to John’s cousin, Shirley, who is famous for bringing her homemade cupcakes and other desserts.

While his restaurants help support Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities throughout the year with donations for every order of fries purchased and other in-store fundraisers benefiting the Charity, these monthly visits to the House are something John says he and his crew hold near and dear to their hearts. “We have great attendance from our crew, and they bring their children to get them involved. We all get excited about making good food for people who will enjoy it and look forward to spending time with these families who need a little comfort.”

Some might say it’s not that different than what John and his crew make happen every day at their McDonald’s locations in Snellville, Stone Mountain, Conyers, Riverdale and Jonesboro.

“Families in these situations, it’s a no-brainer – it’s an easy way to give back.”

The team from Hurt & Hurt Restaurants