By Margaret Mackan

FRANKLIN
A 40-year-old business in downtown Franklin, Mackans Office Supply and Printing has developed a way to do business and help the community at the same time. They have conducted their fifth annual turkey giveaway for the month of November.

Businesses and consumers had the opportunity to receive a free turkey when they purchased $250 worth of merchandise during the month of November. Many have taken advantage of this opportunity throughout the course of the month and have received more than one turkey. Of course, local businesses are not the only ones to participate. Schools and churches have also taken part in the giveaway. These participants have in turn used the turkeys in Thanksgiving baskets, which they distributed to those in need in our community. And some businesses have even graciously asked Mackans to donate their turkeys to some of the schools in the area, so they can provide additional dinners to those in the community. In years past Mackans has been able to provide 10 to 12 turkeys; this year that number rose to 17.

Mackans has always been a business who understands the importance of keeping your business, your tax dollars and your donations within the community. Did you know that for every $100 spent in locally-owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, payroll and other expenditures? If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 remains in the community and spending it online doesn’t contribute any money toward our local economy.

Buying local is the only way the community will thrive and entice others to come here to live and to bring new business into the area. Since 1974 Mackans has tried to do just that. In an effort to encourage continued local patronage, Mackans will remain open on Saturdays during the month of December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with additional sales and a special giveaway throughout the entire month. Look for their handout with numerous sale items on technology and more coming soon in The Tidewater News.