As part of a pledge to support local schools, Jersey Mike’s raised more than $4,100 to support local schools in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The sandwich chain was celebrating its fifth anniversary at the Saugus location Wednesday with a free sandwich giveaway with a minimum of a $2 donation to the WiSH Foundation.

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The foundation was created in June to support the William S. Hart Union High School District with materials that students needed, as a response to state budget cuts.

In less than a year, the organization has already raised or received pledges for more than $25,000, according to Amy Daniels, executive director for the WiSH Foundation.  

“The support of the community has been incredible,” Daniels said. “Things are really going well for WiSH. People are really embracing us, which is a wonderful thing,”  

She said the fundraising was only possible with community support and generous partners, such as Steve Youlios, from Jersey Mike’s.

Youlios pledged $10,000 to help support the foundation, which has also received support from the Los Angeles Volleyball Association, and events, such as the WiSH 5k/10k that raised thousands over the weekend.

“When we were planning the event, we estimated that we would raise about $1,500,” said Amy Sandberg, marketing director for Jersey Mike’s. “By 3 p.m., we made our first deposit totaling $1,804. At 9 p.m., we were still serving, but finally shut the doors at about 9:20. We were all amazed at the grand total: $4,158. This money will a long way towards buying new microscopes.”

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