Published: June 25, 2009 11:12 pm      

Arby’s forms partnership with local Big Brothers Big Sisters

Customers who donate will receive coupon

LAVALE — Arby’s is giving residents of Allegany County an easy way to help the children in their community. Customers who visit the Arby’s retaurant at the corner of Campground Road and U.S. Route 40 through July 26 may donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Alleghenies to help the organization match a child with an adult mentor.

“While people think of Big Brothers Big Sisters as a volunteer organization, it’s also a non-profit charity that depends on donations to make more matches,” said Greg Hawkins Sr. vice president of community partnerships, Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. “Funding is used for recruiting, careful matching, background checks, screening and maintaining ongoing professional support for the volunteers, youth and their families — the key to ensuring long-term positive outcomes that change lives and communities.”

Arby’s customers who who donate a dollar maysign a “Help Us Help Kids” pin-up to hang on the walls of the restaurant. Customers who donate will receive a coupon redeemable for $1 off select Arby’s menu items during their next purchase. The donated money will support the local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter located in Cumberland.

“There’s a growing demand for structured successful youth mentoring, particularly in this economy when families are struggling,” states Misty Raines, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Alleghenies.

“We’ve always believed in the power of giving back to the communities that we serve,” Hawkins said. “Mentoring makes a powerful difference and I’m proud to be part of an effort that gives the entire community an opportunity to contribute.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps local children beat the odds. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children.

Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles.

Learn more by yisiting www.bigdifference.org or calling (301) 724-2742.