Dunkin’ commits $90K to support healthcare and hunger relief organizations
AUBURN – In late March, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation activated $1.25 million in emergency funding to support community-based health and hunger relief organizations across the country during the COVID-19 health crisis.
The foundation recently announced that $20,000 of that funding has been granted and delivered to two Maine food banks to help meet the pressing needs within the local community. The Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine in Auburn and Hampden received a $10,000 grant and the Skowhegan Community Food Cupboard also received a $10,000 grant.
The grants are making a difference by funding such vital services as emergency food boxes and meal kits for families, and food and water for families in shelters. Both organizations also received a care package with Dunkin’ gift cards, as many are seeing a significant increase in the volume of people they serve and are facing unprecedented and costly challenges in the wake of the pandemic.
In addition to grant support, Dunkin’ has reached out to Maine hospitals — including Northern Light Mayo Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft — community health clinics and hunger relief organizations throughout the state offering to deliver local hero care packages containing gift cards and coffee, with a commitment to provide another $70,000 in gift cards. Dunkin’ began distributing these local hero care packages in March, and so far 20 Maine organizations have received a total of 5,550 gift cards valued at $27,750 along with 78 cases of Dunkin’ K-Cups and 15 cases of ground coffee.
“During these unprecedented times, Maine Dunkin’ franchisees are honored to help keep our local healthcare heroes running and provide emergency funds to hunger relief organizations playing a critical role for many communities,” said Maine Dunkin’ franchisee Colleen Bailey.
Dunkin’ has also launched an online gift card site, DunkinCoffeeBreak.com, so that guests in Maine and across the country can send a Dunkin’ eGift Card as a small token of appreciation to thank a doctor, nurse, first responder, teacher, grocery clerk, postal worker, neighbor or any hero in their life. For every card purchased at this site, Dunkin’ will donate $1, up to $100,000, to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation emergency funds, specifically for non-profits helping families affected by COVID-19.
Maine Dunkin’ shops are open and have limited guest service to drive-thru ordering, carry-out, and delivery, with a select number of locations also offering curbside service.
For more information on Dunkin’ and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s coronavirus relief efforts please visit dunkindonuts.com.