Scarborough-based coffee shop chain Aroma Joe’s announced the launch of the AJ’s Care Foundation.
The nonprofit is aimed at supporting local communities with a focus on health, education, veterans and families in need.
As part of their community-first mission, the foundation was formerly established to reinforce the brand’s commitment to giving back.
“We are incredibly proud to announce the AJ’s Cares Foundation’s recognition as a 501(c)(3) organization,” said Dave Tucci, president of Aroma Joe’s. “This is the natural next step in furthering the Aroma Joe’s mission, and we look forward to the foundation positively impacting people throughout Aroma Joe’s growing footprint and beyond.”
Funds are primarily raised through local franchisees hosting community donation days in which a percentage of sales goes to a specific organization, as well as through private donations, community events and sales from merchandise.
Later this year, point-of-purchase campaigns will launch for Aroma Joe’s customers to support the foundation by encouraging them to donate funds when they buy their daily beverages.
Aroma Joe’s launched in 2000 in New Hampshire and later moved to Maine. Today, the chain has 132 locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and Florida.