St. Augustine, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2017) – The Joy in Childhood Foundation has donated $10,000 to Betty Griffin Center, which provides emergency shelter and services for residents experiencing domestic or sexual abuse in St. Johns County.
Betty Griffin Center CEO Joyce Mahr says the grant will be used to support the shelter food program for children and families.
“This gift will help us provide healthy, fresh and nutritional food for families and children at the shelter and education about healthy eating, along with smart snacks that we can provide during children’s activities,” Mahr said.
Mahr also notes that research shows that there is a link between violence during childhood and the lack of access to enough food, so convenient access to healthy, nutritional foods will positively impact the future health and well-being of the children.
Since 2006, the foundation (formerly The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation) has donated over $11 million to hundreds of national and local charities through the generosity of franchisees, employees, vendors and guests – supporting partnerships with children’s hospitals, food banks, other and nonprofit organizations directly committed to serving kids.
Mahr, along with other representatives from Betty Griffin Center, were joined by foundation representatives and franchise owners to take part in a check presentation at the Dunkin’ Donuts location on Highway 207 in St. Johns County.