Local holiday collection drive named 2018 National Toys for Tots Campaign of the Year
Dunkin’s decade-long support of local Toys for Tots program reaches $320,000
Clifton Park, NY; – Dunkin’ today kicked off the 2019 edition of the Capital Region Toys for Tots program by announcing a $30,000 donation from its local and regional franchisees. The donation will be used to help deliver cheer to children across New York during the 2019 holiday season and brings Dunkin’s total support of the holiday collection campaign to $320,000 over the past 11 years.
The donation from Dunkin’ will fund the purchase of new toys and winter coats for children in need. The coats, which will be distributed throughout New York, will be collected and administered through the South Colonie Central School District.
Anchored by Dunkin’ and its local franchisees for more than a decade, the Capital Region Toys for Tots Campaign was recently named the 2018 National Toys for Tots Campaign of the Year. The local campaign received the national honor following an extensive review by the Toys for Tots Foundation of more than 800 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Officials from Capital Region Toys for Tots and Dunkin’ were joined by area campaign supporters for today’s kick-off announcement at the Marine Secure Warehouse. The Clifton Park-based warehouse was donated by the Wayne Wagner family to serve as the home of the Capital Region Toys for Tots program for the second consecutive year.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as the National Toys for Tots Campaign of the Year, which wouldn’t have been possible without tremendous support from Dunkin’ and the entire community,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. (Ret.) Albert Roman, local coordinator of the Capital Region Toys for Tots campaign. “We are grateful to Dunkin’ for its continued support to keep our holiday initiative running over the last 11 years. The enormous generosity of Dunkin’ and numerous other local companies and organizations will help bring new toys to thousands of children in New York this holiday season.”
“Dunkin’ is honored to once again support the efforts of the Marines, who are the driving force behind the Toys for Tots campaign. We are thrilled that their dedication and hard work to serve children in our communities has been recognized on the national level,” said Eric Stensland, integrated marketing manager for Dunkin’. “Bringing joy to children in need is a goal Dunkin’ strives to accomplish throughout the year and especially during the holiday season. Working alongside volunteers and partner organizations is an extraordinary example of the spirit and meaning of giving.”
This year’s Toys for Tots collection drive will take place at more than 400 locations throughout the Capital Region, including more than 100 local and regional Dunkin’ restaurants, which will serve as drop-off points for guests wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys.
Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Toys for Tots Train and Convoy set to deliver holiday cheer
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Dunkin’ Toys for Tots Train is expected to hit the rails to deliver holiday cheer on Saturday, December 7. Dunkin’ franchisees and associates will join U.S. Marine Corps Reserve volunteers as they traverse the state to deliver toys and winter coats to children in need. Thousands of toys will also be delivered at each stop to local non-profit organizations for distribution to those who qualify in their communities.
Dunkin’ will also help warm-up the volunteers and families at select stops with complimentary hot chocolate and baked goods during the annual holiday train delivery.
The Convoy of Hope, powered by Northern New York Sheriff’s Coalition and Upstate Transit of Saratoga, will travel between Rouses Point and Fort Edward on Sunday, December 1. The Convoy, launched in 2018 and comprised of multiple tractor trailers carrying thousands of toys, will begin in Rouses Point and travel south to deliver toys and coats in various communities before concluding in Fort Edward.
The Convoy of Hope is coordinated and supported by County law enforcement officials from the Counties served through its journey, including the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The Marines will work with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys this holiday season and will be equipped to serve 200,000 children.
The Toys for Tots Foundation receives additional support from a number of companies and organizations throughout the greater Capital Region, including Alpin Haus, Auto Solutions, DeNooyer Chevrolet, iHeart Media, Robert’s Towing & Recovery, SEFCU, Seymour’s Motorized Sports, Sondra’s Fine Jewelry and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.
To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.
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About Dunkin’
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 13 years running. The company has more than 12,900 restaurants in 42 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.