Subway giving back to veterans

Contributed Article

 PORTLAND — Subway restaurants in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are preparing for Veterans Day this fall in a big way.

 Now through October, sandwich artisans will ask customers to donate a dollar when ordering their sandwiches.  Two months into the program, more than $20,000 — including $14,264 in Maine — has been raised to support Easter Seals Military and Veterans Programs and they’re not done yet.

 “We are so pleased with the response of our customers,” said Dave Beckwith, Subway development. “We are very passionate about giving back to our communities, especially to those who sacrifice so much to keep all of us safe.”

 The campaign started on April 1 and will end Oct. 31.

 Easter Seals Military and Veterans services provide critical and timely financial assistance and services when no other resource is available to veterans, service members and their families. The program also works to ensure dignity, health and overall well-being for veterans.

 All the money raised will remain in their respective states to benefit the Easter Seals Military and Veterans Services programming.

 “Easter Seals is such a huge help to many of our local heroes, as well as their families,” said Gail Wilkerson, executive director of Easter Seals Maine. “Because of the generosity of Subway and its customers, this program will be able to provide essential services for our local veterans, whether they are 25 or 85.”

 A check will be presented in honor of Veterans Day this fall.