Business : Local businesses help public service causes

Lutheran Home activities director Sarah Smith, residents June Salenro, and Marvin Witt, and Chef Justin Ealy presented K-9 Ben Parmater the check after the final drive-thru of the season. Several Vinton businesses have recently made donations to organizations dedicated to public safety causes. The Vinton Lutheran Home staff raised nearly $1,800 for the Vinton Police Department with its final drive-thru of the season, offering chocolate and vanilla shakes as well as burgers made by its kitchen staff. The home plans to continue the popular service next year, although perhaps on a different schedule. Betterton Chiropractic donated $500 to the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition to help families recovering from the tornado and flood. Matt Betterton presented a check to Coalition members Scott Hansen, Linda Fisher and Rev. Bob Gaston recently. The John's Qwik Stop Grand Opening raised more than $3,000 for a variety of organizations, including nearly $800 donated to the Virginia Gay Hospital Capital Fund for the clinic addition/renovation. Other recipients included VS schools,Palace Theatre, Vinton Parks and Rec, Vinton Police Department and the Vinton Area Ministerial Association. Tootsie's Ice Cream and More is also continuing its custom of making donations to area causes, with its 10% program. Vinton Fire Chief Gary McKenna receives the Tootsie's donation from Michelle Seibert. North Benton Ambulance received$236 and the Vinton Fire Department $240. Tootsie ran a "Support your Local Heroes" fund-raiser in the beginning of October. October 7-9th was for the Fire Department & October 14-16th was the ambulance service.