CALHOUN: Kampsville man makes substantial donation to Ronald McDonald House

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To thank the family for their donation, Jerseyville McDonald’s presented McConkey and his family with a cake on Wednesday, March 23. Pictured from left to right: Jerry Voigt, Jeremiah Voigt and Tom McConkey. (Caitlin R. King/Calhoun News-Herald)

By Caitlin R. King
Calhoun News-Herald
The Jerseyville McDonald’s received a generous donation from Tom McConkey for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of St. Louis. With the help of his uncle, Jerry Voigt, and his cousin, Jeremiah Voigt. The Kampsville family was able to collect and donate nine five-gallon tubs of soda tabs to the charity. The family’s decision to work to collect tabs for the RMHC is all because of McConkey.
On Wednesday, March 23, the Jerseyville McDonald’s showed their appreciation to McConkey with cake, goodies, and photos. The date was especially significant, as World Down Syndrome Day was March 21, and 47-year-old McConkey has Down syndrome, himself.
“Tom has a big heart, and he loves to help out his community,” Jerry Voigt, McConkey’s uncle, said.
Voigt also noted the importance of the work the RMHC does for the community.
“If you’ve had to use a Ronald McDonald House before, you know it’s a blessing,” said Voigt.
Once donated, RMHC has the tabs weighed and recycled, which is then converted to a monetary donation. According to Greata Thompson, a development assistant from RMHC St. Louis, McConkey’s donation will be used “to help RMHC St. Louis continue our mission of providing a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children.”
Soda tabs can be brought to any McDonald’s location for donation to the RMHC. The St. Louis branch of RMHC is hosting their 18th Annual Tab Top Pandemonium event on May 7 at the Park Avenue RMHC House in St. Louis. Soda tabs, metal keys, and electronics can be dropped off for recycling in a drive-thru style event. More information can be found on their website, www.rmhcstl.com/tabtop.