POTSDAM -- Local eatery Soul Waffle, 57 Market St., is launching two new community-based programs.

The Soul Waffle Community Fundraiser Program and the Soul Waffle Community Business of the Month Program will begin in January, according to a press release from the restaurant.

“Our goal with these two programs is to give back to the North Country community, while helping lift up other local business and organizations,” says COO Kristen Austin.

Participants in the Business of the Month Program will be highlighted on all of Soul Waffle’s social media outlets, e-newsletters, and website for an entire month to help market goods and services from the business. They will also be given a limited number of Soul Waffle gift certificates to thank their current customers or welcome new customers. They have lined up their Business of the Month participants for January and February, and if businesses would like to be considered for the program, they may e-mail Kristen.austin@soulwaffle.com.

Soul Waffle prides itself on having a “pay it forward” mission, their announcement says, and the new Soul Waffle Community Fundraiser Program is intended to do just that for community organizations, schools, and sports teams, in helping them raise funds for their cause in a quick and easy way. The program allows participants to sell Soul Waffle gift certificates and keep a portion of the proceeds. “We have all been approached by children in the community to purchase fundraising items, or raffle tickets on a regular basis,” said Austin. “Most people will go out to eat and spend $20 in a restaurant locally, so we decided to allow participants to sell $20 gift certificates giving the purchaser full value and in turn giving the organization a portion of the sales. Our hope is to have the ability to make a big impact in our community with this initiative.”

Those interested may learn more by emailing Kristen.austin@soulwaffle.com

Soul Waffle features the authentic sweet and savory Liège Belgian waffle creations, sandwiches, soup, salads, and protein-based power drinks.

People may visit www.soulwaffle.com for more information or to order online.