Firehouse Subs is lending a helping hand to local first responders during its ninth annual H2O For Heroes event.
On Aug. 7 Firehouse Subs across the country will be giving guests who bring in an unopened, 24-pack of bottled water of any brand, a free medium sub of their choice. There is a limit to one medium sub per person, per case of unopened 24-pack bottled water. The goal is to help keep local first responders hydrated during the record-breaking summer heat.
The collected water benefits local fire and police departments, emergency victims, senior and community centers and more, to aid those in need of water. Since its initial start nine years ago, H2O For Heroes has provided more than 4.1 million water bottles across the country, according to Firehouse Subs.
The ninth annual event is returning after being canceled in 2020 due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic.
Back in March 2020, Firehouse Subs said its many local restaurant owners took the time to listen to the needs of their individual communities and “focused on providing Heartfelt Service where it was most needed.” Hundreds of Firehouse Subs franchisees chose to partner with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and donated more than 100,000 meals to healthcare workers and first responders across the U.S. and Canada.
Firehouse Subs said that there is an even greater need to return H2O For Heroes this year “after a tumultuous 2020 was quickly followed by more seasonal challenges.” Just two months ago many parts of the Western U.S. were experiencing unprecedented temperatures, which resulted in an increased risk of wildfires and heat-related illnesses.
“As we come into wildfire season, it’s more important than ever to support our firefighting communities, especially our wildland firefighters,” said Firehouse Subs Franchisee Chris Morris, who has more than a decade of experience as a firefighter in Idaho. “Many people might not know, but wildland firefighters can work in 16 day cycles out in the heat under very grueling conditions. It’s really important to me and my fellow restaurant owners to be able to help them and our local communities stay hydrated during this time, and we’re honored to partner with our guests to make that happen.”
With the company being founded by two former firefighters nearly 27 years ago, the company said it prides itself on its dedication to host the one-day drive to offer support to first responders and vulnerable citizens. H2O For Heros began in 2012 by Phoenix-area franchisees Jerry and Windy Griffin and in 2016 the program was expanded nationwide. This year Coca-Cola, who partners with Firehouse Subs, will be donating 5,000 cases of DASANI® water to first responders and community organizations in support of H2O For Heroes.
The Plant City Firehouse Subs has already shown their support to local first responders after the team donated and delivered 60 boxed lunches to the Plant City Fire Department in partnership with Bite Squad.
To participate in the H2O For Heroes collection drive efforts, visit firehousesubs.com or download the Firehouse Subs app to find your nearest location.