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A drive for donations leads to win-win for frontline workers and local restaurants

Posted at 4:12 PM, Apr 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-29 14:37:59-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — Our KGUN 9 "Rebound Arizona" initiative looks at how you can help.

A locally-owned radio station took an idea to give back to first responders and front line health care workers, and turned it into a major community effort.

The Bobby & Bailey morning show on The Drive Tucson wanted to say thank you to frontline caregivers and first responders, by providing free meals.

Hill Bailey's idea has exploded into nearly $35,000 raised through a Go Fund Me.

That has translated into a major boost for those battling Covid-19.

"We follow the all the rules, schedule everything, talk to all the right people," said radio host Bobby Rich. "By now we are up to around 12-hundred served. We are still having a long way to go, many more to serve."

Rich said The Drive has a goal of raising $45,000. They will convert that money into restaurant gift cards for those frontline workers, if the pandemic subsides.

He also said an added benefit has been giving a boost to local restaurants, when they place thousand dollar breakfast, lunch and dinner orders.

"We've had many restaurants say that they make more money from us, with one purchase, than they make in several days of now business."

A single idea of giving back -- multiplies into helping many in our community.

"When you make donation where you do something good, it feels good to you. Knowing that you're helping two different layers of people, the restaurants and the frontlines, that feels really good."