With record-setting high temperatures creating dangerous weather conditions across the country, Firehouse Subs invites guests nationwide to help in its effort to support America’s first responders with the sixth annual H2O for Heroes bottled water collection drive. On August 5, all Firehouse Subs restaurants will provide one medium sub to each guest who donates an unopened, 24-pack of bottled water. The donated water will be provided to local first responders and community support organizations to aid those most in need of water during the hot summer months when the risk of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses is most threatening.
In 2012, Phoenix-area franchisees Jerry and Windy Griffin launched H2O for Heroes as a local initiative to encourage bottled water donations at a time when wildfires and drastic heat had depleted the supplies of several first responder organizations.
“When my husband Jerry and I came up with the idea to start H2O for Heroes, we never imagined the response from the community would be so overwhelmingly supportive,” says Firehouse Subs Franchisee Windy Griffin.
Now in its sixth year, and its second as a nationwide effort, the program continues to provide much-needed relief to first responders. Last year’s drive resulted in more than 528,000 bottles of water donated to local heroes and citizens in need. With heat records rising across the country and sweltering temperatures igniting wildfires from California to Georgia, the demand for donated water remains high this year as well.
“We hear from so many departments that don’t have the additional money to purchase bottled water, and the donations they receive from our guests assist them in a variety of emergency situations,” says Griffin. “From hydrating firefighters in the scorching summer heat to keeping K9 officers cool on patrol, this water is a life-saving tool.”
Firehouse Subs currently serves its signature hot subs to guests in 44 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and most recently the brand made its debut in airports with Jacksonville International.
