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Y! MyWebWind storm leads to good deed
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Dave Oinos, owner of Ray's Pharmacy at 2206 Catalpa Dr. in Dayton, said he considers those who live in the neighborhood, and his regular customers "as close as family."
"I have been in this place for 25 years and that's a long time," he said. "I knew it would be difficult to make this change and say goodbye. I have so many friends."
When the time came to close the doors, Oinos donated his store's inventory, all the groceries and drug store merchandise to those in the community who are in need.
"It was an awesome gift," said the Rev. Barbara Wiechel of Fairview United Methodist Church. "Dave touched a lot of lives."
The closing of the pharmacy was scheduled for September, but as Oinos was preparing to pack up the Sept. 14 windstorm hit.
"Thanks to Dave's generosity and the gifts to the congregation, we were able to distribute emergency supplies to at least 50 families," Wiechel said. "Over 170 individuals were given assistance by our food pantry on Friday, Sept. 19."
In addition to helping those in the Fairview neighborhood, donations went to Mercy Manor, a residential program for women in transition; New Hope Lutheran Church pantry; St. Paul United Methodist Church; Wesley Community Center; and St. Vincent's program for the homeless. Also, pet supplies were given to the Humane Society.
Some of the items were stored at the church pantry and will be available as holiday gifts in December, Wiechel said.
Oinos, who is 50, has owned the store for 15 years, and worked there for 25 years.
"This was just my way of saying thanks to the community that supported me and my store for all these years," he said.
Oinos said he was there years ago when former owner Ray Specker was taken from the store by paramedics and went on to die from a heart attack.
"I am 50 years old and I have had some heart problems. Doctors told me I had to slow down. I decided to sell the store when I realized I was working long hours and putting my health in jeopardy," he said.
He is now working for Walgreens at Philadelphia and Salem Avenues. Oinos said all of his 15 employees at Ray's Pharmacy have been offered positions at area Walgreens.
Rev. Weichel said that members of her church "deeply appreciate" the gift Oinos gave.
"This is an amazing story of generosity and neighborhood responsibility," she said. "We thank Dave Oinos for kindness and for caring."
Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
