Jersey Mike's Donates $50k To Children's Hospital

The children’s hospital of Jersey Shore University Medical Center received a $50,000 donation toward its children’s hospital on Wednesday -- proceeds from a month-long drive held at all 18 Monmouth and Ocean county locations of Jersey Mike’s Subs.

Steven Littleson, the Neptune hospital’s president, accepted the donation on behalf of the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital from sub chain owner Peter Cancro at the Jersey Mike’s location at Route 35 and Allaire Road.

For the second year running, all Jersey Mike’s locations participate in a “Month of Giving,’’ that benefits local charities chosen by each region. The event culminates in a “Make a Difference Day,’’ a nationwide push to gather more donations.

The inaugural Month of Giving campaign last year raised more than $600,000 for 66 charities nationwide, according to a company release. Cancro on Wednesday said the chain was donating to 74 charities this year.

“How great is it to be the beneficiary of this donation from Jersey Mikes?’’ said Littleson. “It’s awesome.’’

Littleson said the children’s hospital is expanding to two floors and 44 beds, part of a $2 million expansion of the pediatric unit.

“The money will definitely be put to good use,’’ Littleson said.

In total last year, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country raised more than $2 million for local charities and distributed more than 200,000 free sub sandwiches, Cancro said.

“This is just part of what we do as a company,’’ Cancro said. “We give back.’’