By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
MCDONALD’S of Saipan and Guam last week donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army to support the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s food pantry for food-insecure dialysis patients.
McDonald’s of Saipan and Guam Vice President and Owner/Operator Marcia Ayuyu handed the check to Salvation Army’s ministry leader, Pastor Wayne Gillespie, on Dec. 10, 2025, once again marking the company’s continued and longstanding commitment to supporting the community.
The donation will be directed to CHCC’s food pantry program.
“We are proud to partner with the Salvation Army in supporting those who are most in need within our community,” Ayuyu said.
The donation, she said, will help ensure dialysis patients receive the essential support they need.
Gillespie expressed appreciation, saying, “We are sincerely grateful to McDonald’s of Saipan for their generosity and compassion.”
The funds, he said, will be used specifically to assist indigent dialysis patients who are experiencing hunger and have limited or no access to other support services. “Our goal is to ensure that this assistance reaches those who need it most, while maintaining dignity and respect for every individual,” Gillespie added.
In recent years, McDonald’s of Saipan and Guam has continued to support the Salvation Army locally within the CNMI. In 2022, the company allocated funds from its signature Golf Classic Event to nonprofit organizations including the Salvation Army. In 2023, McDonald’s of Saipan donated $3,000 to the Salvation Army through the Jose & Ruri Ayuyu Foundation.
“We see and recognize the good work that the Salvation Army continues to do for our community, despite the challenges we are facing. We are proud to continue supporting them in their frontline efforts,” Ayuyu said.
The Salvation Army’s allocation of donations to CHCC’s satellite food pantry program is based on need assessments conducted in coordination with healthcare providers. This approach ensures responsible stewardship of resources while addressing critical food insecurity among the most vulnerable patients.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
