Taco Bell asks for public opinion on areas of need at military bases
Posted on 20. Apr, 2010 by Creatwood in Client News, Taco Bell
Taco Bell donates improved communications center and play area to military base in need
Taco Bell asks for public opinion for similar projects on Augusta and Mobile bases
Augusta, Ga., April 20, 2010: Southeast QSR, a Taco Bell franchise, is using the proceeds from a November fundraiser to remodel the USO family communications center near Mayport naval base in Jacksonville, Fla., on behalf of the Armed Forces Families Foundation (AFFF).
This project will install privacy cubicles around all computer stations, replace used computers with 12 newer model Dell computers (9 for the communications room and 3 for USO staff), and install 9 Logitech Web cams. This will allow military families to better communicate with their loved ones while they are deployed.
In addition, the children’s play area in the same facility will receive new carpeting, a baby changing table, new toys and books, as well as improved HVAC air conditioning and a fresh coat of paint.
“With the help of Taco Bell volunteers and the many loyal patrons who gave donations during our fundraiser, we are able to give families at Mayport a better experience when communicating with loved ones overseas,” said Thaddeus Foster, chief operations officer for Southeast QSR, a Taco Bell franchise. “Next, we plan to implement similar projects in areas of need on military bases in Augusta and Mobile.”
The Armed Forces Families Foundation would like to ask the public to help identify areas of need for military families on or near bases in Augusta, Ga. and Mobile, Ala. To give feedback, visit www.facebook.com/armedforcesfamilies and leave your opinions on the wall.
The initial fundraiser for these projects, which lasted from Nov. 11 through 24, 2009, raised more than $60,000 at Taco Bell restaurants in Mobile, Ala., Augusta and Southeast, Ga., and Pensacola and Jacksonville, Fla. to benefit military families in each area.
The coordinated efforts of Southeast QSR partners, the Armed Forces Families Foundation (AFFF) and USO Jacksonville have made these projects possible. “This will make a huge impact on families, especially the children, here,” said Ed Champagne, Mayport USO Center Director. “It’s one thing to talk to someone over the phone, but to be able to see your loved one who is 8,000 miles away is phenomenal.”
The grand opening for the improved Mayport family communications center and children’s play area is scheduled for May 3, 2010. Plans for upcoming projects in Augusta, Ga. and Mobile, Ala. will begin shortly after.
“The new children’s play area will allow parents the freedom to talk during play groups,” said Helen Williams, New Parent Support Specialist for the Fleet & Family Support Center. “They need to connect with other parents in the same situation while their children are kept busy playing.”
Southeast QSR Contact:
Thaddeus Foster
Chief Operations Officer/Franchisee, Southeast QSR
(904) 543-1838
Thaddeus@theborder.com
Southeast QSR: http://www.theborder.com/BA/pledge.asp
Armed Forces Families Foundation: http://www.armedforcesfamilies.org/
USO Jacksonville: http://affiliates.uso.org/Jacksonvilleflorida/
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