Does it seem like every time you pay for something, you're being asked to donate a little money? We all want to make a difference when we can, but when there's a nebulous "local charities" label attached, it's hard to know exactly what we're giving money to.

Every donation adds up for our kids in Cochise County. Canva
Every donation adds up for our kids in Cochise County. Canva
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That's why I was pleased to learn exactly where my donation goes when I round up at one area fast food restaurant.

Todd Bisbocci, Taco Bell and the Boys & Girls Club

During the month of February, Townsquare Media in Sierra Vista hosts a Radio-A-Thon in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista. The month-long event is brought to our community by Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.

A highlight of this year's month-long event was an interview on Val in the Morning with Todd Bisbocci, the franchise owner of the Taco Bell restaurant on the corner of Fry and Highway 92 in Sierra Vista, and the upcoming store near Canyon de Flores on Highway 92. Mr. Bisbocci also owns stores in Tucson. Plus, he's also a Boys & Girls Club alumnus, so he is keenly aware of the good programs offered there.

I spoke to Todd about Taco Bell's Foundation Round Up Program. If you've been to Taco Bell lately, you've probably been asked to round up your change. For example, if you're bill is $7.49, if you opt to round-up to the next dollar, the remaining .51 cents is donated to the foundation. And those little donations add up.

(From left, back row): Todd Bisbocci, SV Taco Bell Franchise Owner, Jay Hamwright, Director SV Boys & Girls Club, (front row): Jenn Wantz, Board President, Sokha Dugger, HR/Office Manager, Val Davidson, K101.
(From left, back row): Todd Bisbocci, SV Taco Bell Franchise Owner, Jay Hamwright, Director SV Boys & Girls Club, (front row): Jenn Wantz, Board President, Sokha Dugger, HR/Office Manager, Val Davidson, K101. Photo Courtesy Jay Hamwright.
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I asked Todd where the money collected goes. "It used to go into a big pot through the Taco Bell Foundation, and the money was distributed throughout the state," he told me. "But I fought to make sure that dollar for dollar, every penny of the money donated in Cochise County stays in Cochise County."

How Rounding Up Helps Our Community

Now the money you donate at the Taco Bell in Sierra Vista stays right here for programs in our community. The monies collected in Sierra Vista are distributed to the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista and to Teen Scholarships in Cochise County.

Every time you round up at Taco Bell in Sierra Vista, you help the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista and local Teen Scholarships. Canva
Every time you round up at Taco Bell in Sierra Vista, you help the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista and local Teen Scholarships. Canva
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Eventually we'll be able to round up our donation at both Sierra Vista Taco Bells. The new store on Highway 92 next to Papa's 1950s Diner is expected to open in April of 2023. According to Todd, the new restaurant will primarily focus on fast, efficient drive-thru service. There will also be a walk-up window and a small outdoor seating area.

Taco Bell on Fry & Hwy 92 in Sierra Vista. Credit: Google Maps
Taco Bell on Fry & Hwy 92 in Sierra Vista. Credit: Google Maps
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Shortly after the new location opens, the current facility on Fry and Hwy 92 will be closed so it can be razed to the ground, and then rebuilt with upgraded, expanded and modernized dine-in and drive-thru service.

Your donations help our Kids Thrive in Cochise County. -Canva
Your donations help our Kids Thrive in Cochise County. -Canva
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So now you know where your 'Round Up' Donation goes when we stop at Taco Bell in Sierra Vista!

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