MASSENA – The KFC Foundation has donated $10,000 to the Massena Fire Department.

“We are so grateful to the KFC Foundation for this generous Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will help our organization in purchasing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and a fire extinguisher trainer.” said Patrick O’Brien, Chief, Massena Fire Department

Kentucky Fried Wishes is the community giving program of the KFC Foundation that invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a project on their wish list. This year the KFC Foundation is funding a million dollars in Kentucky Fried Wishes to 100 non-profit organizations across the country.

“Due to the generosity of KFC customers who chose to Round Up their orders to the KFC Foundation, we were able to double the amount of grants awarded to community-based non-profits through Kentucky Fried Wishes this year,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director, KFC Foundation. “This is our biggest award year to date and we’re proud to support these non-profits who are doing meaningful work.”

The Massena Fire Department’s mission is to save lives and reduce economic losses due to fire and related emergencies by meeting the needs of our community in fire prevention, fire suppression, and rescue, utilizing the dedication and improving the skills of our people, and striving to improve all of our services and operations.

With the grant the department will be to create a safer environment for residents, especially those who cannot afford to purchase smoke and CO detectors. They also plan on using a fire extinguisher trainer to host regular community training events to teach community members how to use a fire extinguisher properly.

The KFC-Massena team, many who live in the area and have close connections to the fire department, were excited to help support their community. With community involvement and support a driving factor behind their business, the KFC-Massena team has been able to donate $16,006.18 since their opening in 2021. The Massena Fire Department is also the code enforcement office for the community and the employees of KFC have always gone above and beyond while the store was preparing to open and assisting us with fire inspections.

Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities. The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education accessibility and financial assistance for KFC restaurant employees.

Operating independently from KFC Corporation and led by a board including KFC franchisees, the KFC Foundation receives its financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees contribute a portion of their restaurant sales of Secret Recipe Fries to engage in and support the Foundation’s initiatives.