This week, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation announced that $17,000 is being awarded to Double H Ranch, Franklin Community Center, Inc. and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Inc. to bring joy to kids in the Capital Region, solidifying the Foundation’s commitment to bringing the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness.
Double H Ranch is receiving a $5,000 grant, which will provide an exciting, fun and medically safe camp experience, free of charge, for five children living with life-threatening illnesses. Since 1993, Double H Ranch has served more than 80,000 seriously ill children from around the world with facilities that include camper cabins, pools, archery facilities, horseback riding, skiing and other outdoor spaces that can be used for recreational play and opportunities to explore nature.
Additionally, Franklin Community Center, Inc. is receiving a $6,000 grant, which will help fund its emergency food pantry. There is no income, family size or demographic requirement for accessing their services, making the pantry available to anyone in need. Last year, the pantry provided nearly 10,000 children and families with food assistance, and Franklin Community Center predicts that number will continue to increase.
Finally, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Inc. (MACSC) is receiving a $5,000 grant, which will help create snack pantries at schools as well as assist families with direct food access. MACSC is a family neighborhood resource center serving the residents of greater Mechanicville, and has the only program focused on youth hunger in the area. In addition to the $5,000 grant, MACSC is also receiving a check for $1,000 to purchase Halloween costumes for their kids.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide grants to amazing nonprofits that share the same vision of the Joy in Childhood Foundation: to bring joy to kids where they need it most,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Levi Pascher. “The Dunkin’ franchisees are committed to giving back to the communities we serve, and it is an honor to be able to support children at Double H Ranch, Franklin Community Center, Inc. and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Inc. and make their days a little brighter.”
Grant funding from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation will help charities expand their impact. Nationally, these grants will fuel a variety of programs for kids battling hunger including weekend backpack programs, mobile and school pantry programs, as well as after school meals so that kids have access to food outside of school. Funds will also support programming for kids battling illness including specialized camps, sensory rooms, and art and music therapy, among other initiatives. These programs provide joyful experiences and environments for pediatric patients and their families.
. From left to right: Back row: Faith Batchelder; Dunkin’ Franchisee Kevin Wright; Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Levi Pascher; Dunkin’ Manager Larry Herbert. Front row: Dunkin’ Director of Operations Rick McCarthy; MACSC Director of Operations Holly LaTorre; MACSC Outreach and Development Director Tammie Alikonis; Dunkin’ Area Director of Operations Dan Drislane.
. From left to right: Back row: Faith Batchelder; Dunkin’ Franchisee Kevin Wright; Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Levi Pascher; Dunkin’ Area Director of Operations Dan Drislane. Front row: Dunkin’ Director of Operations Rick McCarthy; Double H Ranch Major Gifts and Foundations Manager Erik Fellows; Dunkin’ Manager Larry Herbert.
From left to right: Back row: Faith Batchelder; Dunkin’ Franchisee Kevin Wright; Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Levi Pascher; Dunkin’ Area Director of Operations Dan Drislane. Front row: Dunkin’ Director of Operations Rick McCarthy; Franklin Community Center Development Director Mary Beth McGarrahan; Dunkin’ Manager Larry Herbert.
These grants are part of a commitment by the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, Dunkin’ and its franchisees to bring the simple joys of childhood to kids facing hunger or illness. Since its inception in 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $45 million to national and local nonprofits.