On December 15th, Freebirds World Burrito, the fast casual burrito concept owned by Tavistock Restaurants, celebrated Christmas a few weeks early with nearly 60 disadvantaged children at Arms of Hope, a not-for-profit Christian care organization that assists children and single-mother families in need. An extension of Freebirds' holiday Adopt-A- Family program, Arms of Hope's Dallas, Medina, and Duncanville area campuses were treated to a full- blown holiday party, complete with presents, Freebirds food, a foil art Christmas tree and Christmas caroling led by Austin vocalist Teal Collins of The Mother Truckers and The Whiskey Sisters.
"It's part of our mission to give back to the communities we are so fortunate to be a part of," says Bobby Shaw, Freebirds senior vice president of operations. "Since 2009, our Adopt-A-Family program has helped more than 200 families celebrate the holiday season. Thanks to the help of local businesses and partners, we are able to lend a helping hand and put smiles on children's faces during this season of hope."
Each year, Freebirds charitable arm, World Works, partners with non-profit organizations to connect families to nearby Freebirds locations. Each Freebirds restaurant then shares a selected family's story and wish list with its team members and the local community to collect as many in-kind donations and gifts as possible on their behalf. This is the first year Freebirds also hosted a party to go along with their traditional charitable initiatives.
The Freebirds festivities continue through December 22, when all Freebirds locations across the country will participate in an official gift exchange to conclude the World Works Adopt-A-Family program. Freebirds team members and community supporters will greet selected families as they unwrap gifts at their local Freebirds location. Freebirds will also provide the families with a hearty, warm meal of their favorite menu items, including Monster burritos and the ever-popular chips and queso.
Freebirds' World Works Adopt-A-Family program contributes an average of 5,000 hours of community service each year. Approximately 100 Freebirds World Burrito locations and dozens of non-profit organizations have participated in the annual initiative. Additionally, World Works digital campaigns have donated 2,045 meals to various charitable partners.
