Rotary donates to charity By BOB VOSSELLER Staff Writer   Published in the Times-Beacon July 30, 2009 LACEY - Rotary Club President Steve Dunham said that helping Ronald McDonald House was something personal. "My granddaughter has leukemia. She was diagnosed in January and she stayed there at the Long Branch Ronald McDonald House," Dunham said. Former club president Bruce Halliday said Dunham had mentioned the progress of his granddaughter's treatment during meetings. "I said in March that we should do a drive for them." "They will be so thrilled," Dunham said as he looked at several tables filled with items during a July 21 meeting of the club held at the Captain's Inn Restaurant in Forked River. Rotary Club member Dr. Thomas McGillick and his wife, Noreen, collected items as part of a Customer Appreciation Week program at his office in Forked River. "It was wonderful. Many people dropped off items," the physician said. Noreen McGillick brought the large collection of items, which included paper towels, household supplies, food, toys and various other materials to the Ronald McDonald House. The Rotary Club members present at the meeting each helped load up her vehicle. "There were also donations of $250 in cash and several gift cards," Dr. McGillick said. Several businesses owned by Rotary Club members also solicited customers for donations during a two-week period. Dunham said he was able to see the impact that Ronald McDonald House has on those families who have a child who is suffering from cancer. The poor families are so distraught. We met one family from Puerto Rico who came over. This was a last ditch effort to gain treatment that would work. They stayed there and were told they could live there for as long as needed. He added that at least two families in Lacey utilize the services of the local Ronald McDonald House. "Long Branch's house has eight guest rooms . In May, they were full and had a waiting list. It is quite an amazing facility," Dunham said.