DOWNEY — The new Jimmy John’s restaurant in Downey donated over 2,500 sandwiches to Downey students last month, with plans for even more donations. 

Team members of the Jimmy John’s store work together each week to assemble and deliver the sandwiches to Downey Unified School District, which encompasses 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools.

“We wanted to give back to our community in a big way. Times are tough and using our platform to give back just felt right to us,” said franchisee Nick DePonte. “We deliver the sandwiches to the school district and from there, the district sets up a drive-thru for families in need to grab the sandwiches. It is very powerful being there and having families come up to you thanking you for helping them.”

The store set a goal to donate roughly 1,500 sandwiches each week, and in its first delivery on November 12 the team donated a total of 1,858 sandwiches – which is equivalent to $11,129.51. The following week, the team donated another 1,000 sandwiches to Downey Unified families and anticipate donating well over 12,000 by the end of the year.

When guests purchase any sandwich between now and Dec. 28, a sandwich will be donated to Downey Unified students in need.

The new Jimmy John’s is located at 12018 Lakewood Blvd. at the Downey Landing.