Firehouse Subs Launches “Chip In” Program

Firehouse Subs and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has donated more than $2 million to public safety entities since 2005, announce the launch of the “Chip In” program. During the month of April, each regularly-priced combo meal purchased at Firehouse Subs prompts a $.01 donation to the Public Safety Foundation. With an average of 1.4 million combos sold each month at Firehouse Subs, Chip In is instrumental in the organization’s overall fundraising goal of $1 million in 2010.

“As we continue to raise money for the Foundation, the Chip In program is one more way of helping our hometown heroes, one combo at a time,” said Robin Sorensen, co-founder of Firehouse Subs. “So many public safety entities are experiencing budget cuts, but life-saving equipment is a necessity; the more money we can raise, the sooner we can get equipment into the hands of our emergency service providers.”

Along with in-store purchases, Firehouse Subs is adding more fuel to the program by allowing Facebook users to participate in a “gift application,” sending virtual firefighter and Chip In-themed gifts to friends. If the goal of 100,000 gifts given is met, additional funds will be donated to the Public Safety Foundation.

Ongoing fundraising initiatives include recycling the restaurant chain’s five-gallon pickle buckets. The handy containers have dozens of uses and cost just $2 each at any Firehouse Subs location. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profit’s mission and collect loose change and bills from patrons, all going to the Public Safety Foundation.           

Firehouse Subs®, founded in Jacksonville, Fla., by former firefighting brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, is a 380-unit fast-casual restaurant chain. Firehouse Subs® offers oversized portions of premium hand-sliced meats and Sargento® cheeses, steamed to make the flavors burst, then piled high with fresh produce atop a toasted sub roll. The restaurants reflect the authentic firefighter heritage, as well as the founding family’s 200 years of firefighting service. In 2005, the company created The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Inc. to provide funding to deserving local fire departments. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $2 million in equipment and resources. Firehouse Subs was also named “National Chain” winner of the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) Restaurant Neighbor Award for their overall dedication to community service. The 2010 plans for expansion include the Northeast, Central and Southwest regions of the U.S.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs extended their mission with the creation of the non-profit, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to improving the life-saving capabilities of emergency services in communities served by Firehouse Subs by providing funding, resources and support to deserving public safety entities. Through the non-profit 501 (c) (3) Firehouse Subs is able to give back to those hometown heroes who protect our local communities by providing funding, resources and support.

For more information about Firehouse Subs, please visit www.firehousesubs.com, become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/firehousesubs or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/firehouse_subs.

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