On Thursday, Oct. 22, Rally’s customers can bring in non-perishable food items as a donation to two area non-profits in exchange for 15 percent off their food order.

For many years, Rally’s employees at the Maple Avenue location have given back to the community by hosting in-house donation drives by adopting children from the Angel Tree or packing small bags with hygiene products.

This year, general manager William Runkle said the fast-food restaurant wanted to involve the community in giving back, as well, by providing an incentive for people to donate.

Donations will be evenly split between both the Salvation Army and Christ’s Table, with the goal of providing food to those who are struggling due to the economic effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Runkle explained that this year the company has increased the percentage a customer will receive off their meal to hopefully help increase donations.

If successful, the company plans to expand the model being tested in Zanesville to stores across the country as a means to help local non-profits around hundreds of its locations nationwide.

As with many businesses around the community who have seen the outpouring of support by local customers during the pandemic, Runkle said he and his employees are very thankful.

“It means a lot to us, there are so many places that people can go,” said Runkle. “We think it’s not just a testament to how we treat our guests, but the way they like our food and service as well.”

During Thursday’s food drive, Rally’s will also have small bags of candy for children and coupons for all of their customers.

Donations will be accepted during the store’s normal operating hours, from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., throughout the entire day.

Runkle said the company is currently offering its most popular menu item, the Big Buford, a half-pound double cheeseburger, 2 for $6 and he encourages customers to try it out.