Small Businesses, Big Impact: How Franchises Are Spreading Cheer
Franchise brands have a unique opportunity to spread cheer and make a lasting impact during the holiday season by leveraging the power of their local franchise networks. One franchisor, through the collective efforts of its franchisees, can create a ripple effect that touches countless lives in communities nationwide.
Giving back isn’t just good for others — it’s also great for business. Charitable initiatives help build a positive brand image, boost employee engagement and strengthen community ties. According to SCORE, nearly 75% of small businesses participate in charitable giving each year, and small businesses donate 250% more than larger companies to local nonprofits and community causes.
This holiday season, franchises nationwide embraced the spirit of giving. From hosting toy drives and supporting pediatric hospitals to contributing to veteran-focused initiatives and fulfilling local charities\’ wish lists, their efforts brought joy to children and families in need. These initiatives fostered trust, goodwill and unity within their communities, leaving a lasting positive impact. Here’s how some franchise brands gave back this holiday season.
Franchisors Giving Back for the Holidays
Batteries Plus
Batteries Plus brought holiday cheer this year by donating more than 1 million batteries to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. This impressive total far exceeded the battery franchise’s goal of collecting 500,000 batteries. Over the past four years, in partnership with Toys for Tots and Duracell, Batteries Plus has donated nearly 400,000 batteries. Batteries play a crucial role in the campaign, ensuring that every donated toy is “complete” and ready to be gifted to families in need.
Bojangles
Bojangles celebrated the 2024 holiday season by giving $10,000 in “BO”nuses to 10 deserving teachers, underscoring the chicken-and-biscuit brand’s commitment to literacy and education. Each educator received $1,000 to purchase classroom supplies or address personal holiday needs. Bojangles also catered food for the teachers’ classrooms. Customers joined in the season of giving at their local Bojangles by rounding up their ticket to the nearest dollar. All proceeds went to Children of the Fallen Patriots and Folds of Honor.
FAT Brands
FAT Brands Foundation, the charitable arm of FAT Brands, has a giving campaign running through Jan. 5. Donations will support the foundation’s goal of increasing its giving and impact in 2025 across communities, with 100% of proceeds going to non-profit organizations. FAT Brands will match every dollar raised, up to $50,000. Food security and youth enrichment are some of the areas FAT Brands has supported.
Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s made headlines when Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced that the sub franchise issued a #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3) challenge to help raise funds to sponsor veterans’ wreaths for placement. Every $17 wreath sponsorship made through Dec. 14 (National Wreaths Across America Day) will be matched up to $500,000 by the sub franchise. Jersey Mike’s has supported WAA’s mission with more than $4 million in contributions since 2010.
Proforma
Proforma, a supplier of business documents and promotional materials, hosted its 2024 annual holiday parties with special giving initiatives to spread Christmas joy. Employees rallied to support two impactful organizations: Providence House in Cleveland, Ohio, and Joshua House in Tampa, Fla. Providence House works to keep children safe and families together through comprehensive support services, while Joshua House provides care for neglected children in the Tampa community.
To maximize their impact, both organizations shared wish lists in advance, enabling Proforma team members to contribute directly to the causes. During the holiday parties, representatives from Joshua House and Providence House were invited to share insights into their missions, visions, and the values that drive their critical work.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee gave back this holiday season by donating to two pediatric hospitals to directly support their healthcare mission through celebrations tied to the classic board game CANDY LAND. The drive-thru specialty coffee franchise presented $10,000 checks to both the Phoenix Children’s Foundation in Phoenix, Ariz., and Children’s Nebraska in Omaha, Neb.
The Phoenix Children’s Foundation will use the funds to support its annual Toyland toy drive, while Children’s Nebraska plans to purchase additional toys and books for its Child Life team to distribute to patients. Through these contributions, Scooter’s Coffee reinforced its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Wings Etc.
Wings Etc. hit a home run for the Michiana, Ind., community with its 13th annual Toys for Tots Softball Tournament, held November 2–3, raising a record-breaking $32,000 for children in need. The event brought together 23 men’s teams and 23 co-ed teams, with entry fees and toy donations supporting the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
Wings Etc. has collected more than 2,600 toys since the softball tournament’s inception and also supports local organizations through various programs and partnerships. For example, the wing franchise has partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and established the Wings Etc. Foundation to improve children’s lives.
