Dunkin’ will be supporting children afflicted with illness this summer. (photo courtesy of Dunkin’)

This summer, Dunkin’ of Los Angeles is giving guests a sweet way to support children battling cancer with its new Shine Gold initiative. Through Saturday, Aug. 5, Dunkin’ is inviting guests to “shine gold” in a joint effort to bolster the mission of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation: bring joy to children afflicted with illness.

The Shine Gold initiative allows guests at participating Dunkin’ locations throughout Los Angeles to make a $2 donation to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, in return for which they will receive a free Gold Joy Donut as an expression of gratitude. The Gold Joy Donut – a traditional donut ring decorated with gold icing, yellow sprinkles and crowned with a glazed MUNCHKINS Donut Hole Treat – pays homage to the childhood cancer awareness ribbon.

Thanks to the generosity of Dunkin’ franchisees throughout Los Angeles, 100 percent of funds raised from the Dunkin’ Gold Joy Donut will be donated to local children’s hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Childrens Hospital Orange County, to bring joy into the lives of children battling illness.

Grants made possible from the Shine Gold initiative will help support joyful experiences for patients in child life and oncology departments through diverse programs such as art, music and integrated therapy. They also fund interactive play and learning equipment, adaptive equipment for kids with mobility issues, everyday essential kits for patients and more.

“Dunkin’ is proud to shine gold to support children battling illness right here in our communities,” said Jamie Struwe, Dunkin’ field marketing manager. “Cancer has touched many of our lives, and it’s an ordeal no child or parent should face. Together with the community, we look forward to helping bring joy to kids fighting cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 10,000 children under the age of 15 in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Since its inception in 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $45 million to national and local nonprofits. In 2022 alone, the foundation awarded more than 650 grants to hospitals, amounting to over $9.5 million, in a bid to spread joy to kids battling illness.

To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit bringjoy.org