Ronald McDonald watches as a student does homework on an iPad

Lawrence Hogan, a Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro board member and two students

Katherine Price, 11, researches on a new laptop

Dignitaries representing Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro and Ronald McDonald House Charities with a check for $19,715.

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WHITESBORO — Students and staff at the Martin Luther King Center’s Homework Institute learned exactly what the phrase “You deserve a break today,” means.

Members of Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro (CCW), politicians, philanthropists and Ronald McDonald himself swooped into the King Center for the presentation of a $19,715 check that will be used to bring cutting edge technology to the 80-plus students who come to the Homework Institute every day.

Money for the purchase came as a grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Money was contributed to RMHC through the McDonald’s Corp., owner/operators and McDonald’s customers.

In accepting the ceremonial check from local McDonald franchise owners Jim and Rita Burlaga, CCW president Bernard Blanks told the assembled crowd, “It has enhanced our pro-gram tremendously. The equipment is well-used.”

“I’m happy to be here on behalf of our owner/operators and children’s charities,” said Rita Burlaga. She and her husband are the owner/operators of six area McDonald’s restaurants. In addition to helping to make the grant possible, the Burlagas donate Happy Meals to the Homework Institute on a monthly basis.

Also in attendance were township politicians – past and present. Standing together were current mayor Dan Lockwood along with former mayors Susan D’Lanzo and Nate Doughty.

“I could have brought Mayor McCheese,” said a joking Ronald McDonald.

Students have already reaped the benefits. Twelve new laptops, eight iPads, one wireless printer, two routers, a wireless cart and assorted software were purchased with the grant money.

“We got a lot of bang for our buck,” said Robert Matthews, Director of the King Center.

After the formal presentation is was time to see the technology in action.

Eleven-year-old Katherine Pierce, a sixth grade student at Middle Township Middle School has already become adapt with using the new computer.

“I research for my homework,” she said as her fingers ran across the keyboard. “It’s faster than the one at home.”

In looking out over the students using the computers, Jim Burlaga, the father of five and grandfather of three, smiled and said, “I’m glad we could help.”

According to Robert Matthews, the Homework Institute serves between 80 to 90 students per day. The program runs from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. There is no charge for students to participate in the program. In addition to homework help from teachers, students are also provided a snack.