Does Blockbuster Do This?

I am a firm believer of shopping locally.  Not only does it show community committment, but you just don't see big chains putting forth an effort of support to the area they serve.

For example, Rick Holobowski and his wife, owners of MOVIE MADNESS in DeMotte.  When you walk up to his establishment, you find on his door, advertisement for the local school play, local bands playing in the area, or an event put on by the Chamber of Commerce or the local church.  On the right side of the building, you find a board with featured  homes in DeMotte. (Rick is also a REALTOR with McColly in DeMotte)  As you walk inside, it looks like the typical movie store, but as you get closer to the front, you hear laughing as "the two blonds" (sorry, this is what the wife and I refer them as) are laughing and talking with customers and each other.  Simon, the blond dog (can you believe it, I know the dogs name.) comes out of the back to see if I brought a treat for him.  If I did, he will sit and say "MaMa" for me.  Besides many many choices of DVDs and Videos for rent and sale, there is a shelf on the wall of Soy Candles in many different fragrances to buy.  A local candle maker has set up an area to sell their wares.  In the display case, you find candy supplied by the local candy store.  Near the registers, you will find advertisement for animals to give away or sell. 

But Rick and his employee's biggest effort is the Care Packages sent overseas to our troops.  Rick has been doing this for quite some time.  Community members can stop by and drop off items for the UPS boxes on the counter bound for soldiers in foreign lands.  Movie Madness also sends 20 DVD's in the box for the soldiers to enjoy.  The community can also donate money for the freight charge. 

You would think that with such a busy schedule, Rick and his wife would be inaccessible.  But they will take the time to buff out that favorite CD that your grandchildren decided to use as a Frisbee, or research and find that     favorite 1959 John Wayne Movie, "The Horse Soldiers."                          

If you would like to stop by, MOVIE MADNESSis located at 607 N Halleck Street, DeMotte.  Their phone number is 219.987.4041.

UPDATE: The two blonds have names!  Kellie and Sheila.