Shining a Light on Community Support in Laurens
Laurens, SC, is buzzing with excitement as the local school district, Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55), celebrates a successful partnership with Jersey Mike’s, a beloved new sandwich shop that just opened its doors in mid-October. With clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures reaching up to 62°F, the sunny weather matched the bright spirit of the community as they came together for a fantastic cause.
From October 16 to the end of October, Jersey Mike’s organized a special fundraising event, aimed squarely at supporting teacher and staff appreciation initiatives within the district. How did they do it, you ask? Well, by offering a tempting deal that brought the community together at the lunch table!
Coupons and Community Spirit
During the two-week campaign, Jersey Mike’s printed exclusive discount coupons for all LCSD 55 students and staff, along with the greater Laurens community. It was a win-win scenario: for every coupon used, the school district would receive a generous $3.00 donation. That’s right, every time a tasty sub was ordered, not only were the customers satisfied, but the schools benefited, too!
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Jersey Mike’s also handed out donation coupons worth $2.00 to staff members, which included a special perk—a free sub for every $2.00 donated. Talk about a delicious incentive to contribute!
Record-Breaking Contributions
The momentum from this fundraising effort paid off significantly—literally! The grand total raised was a whopping $3,192. On November 18, the appreciation from the partnership was made official during a check presentation ceremony, where Jersey Mike’s Director of Operations, Matthew DeSerio, and franchise owner, Turner Hill, presented the check to LCSD 55 Superintendent, Dr. Jody Penland, and Coordinator of Communications, Faye Colley.
DeSerio couldn’t contain his excitement about the success of this initiative. “Jersey Mike’s partnered with Laurens 55 for our grand opening because we wanted to build a strong relationship with the local community right from the start,” he shared. “This allowed us to engage directly with students, families, and educators, which are key demographics for Jersey Mike’s.”
He further added, “Our first partnership with Laurens 55 was an overwhelming success, contributing to the largest grand opening we’ve had to date. The involvement of Laurens 55 created a buzz in the community, attracting a large turnout for the store opening.” It’s clear that this partnership was more than just about money; it fostered a sense of togetherness and support.
A Call for Continued Partnerships
Faye Colley also expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “We are thankful for the partnerships we have and look forward to personally thanking our other friends at Jersey Mike’s.” This sentiment sets the stage for future collaborations and continued support for educators in the community.
In light of the overwhelming community backing, LCSD 55 is now extending invitations to other businesses, churches, and organizations in Laurens to take part in similar initiatives. If you or your organization are interested in becoming a part of this thriving partnership, you can reach out to Faye Colley at fccolley@laurens55.org.
As the chilly morning temperatures dip to around 33°F and the community gears up for the holiday season, this joyful partnership reminds us all of the importance of supporting one another—especially when it comes to our beloved teachers and staff who make a difference day in and day out.
So, whether you’re grabbing a delicious sub from Jersey Mike’s or looking for ways to contribute to local schools, remember, every little bit helps lift up our community!
