When the Glendale Road McDonald's closed its doors Saturday for a 90-day construction project, it could have meant dozens of employees were left without work.
Instead, they'll receive their normal pay and four community organizations will benefit.
All of the site's employees were either transferred to other McDonald's or to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, the ReStore Marietta office, the Washington County Boys & Girls Club and the Marietta Family YMCA. There, they'll spend the next several months "volunteering" while still earning paychecks.
It's an innovative idea and a win-win.
While this may not be an option for every business, especially small businesses, we think it's something that could and should happen more often-and a temporary closure isn't even necessary.
If there's a regular slow time or day for a business, maybe employees could be sent to lend a hand in the community, without having to miss out on work hours. Or if a company could spare someone once a week for a few hours, a regular volunteer opportunity could be set up.
The Mid-Ohio Valley has many wonderful volunteers who do so expecting nothing in return.
But for many others with a desire to help, finding the time to squeeze it in between a full-time job, family and household chores might be difficult. Employers could step in in this unique way, and provide extra help to nonprofits who need it.
We hope area employers might consider how this idea might work for them.
