KNOXVILLE -- Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Cantina is inviting everyone to a “Burrito Benefit” at its new Cedar Bluff location in front of Academy Sports on Tuesday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Salsarita’s Cedar Bluff will donate 100 percent of burrito sales to Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) to support programs that serve Knoxville’s homeless population.

“Salsarita’s invests in each community it serves, and we continue to look for new ways to give back and improve the areas that support us,” said H.P. Patel, Salsarita’s Knoxville franchise owner. “Hospitality is a core value at Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, and through donation days and volunteer efforts, we hope to help families overcome homelessness.”

Through a program called “Caring Cantina,” Salsarita’s franchises across the country donate time, food and resources to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing homelessness in their communities. Funds raised from the Burrito Benefit will go to VMC’s Refuge Center program, which provides utility and rental assistance, co-payments for medical prescriptions, and housing assistance to the homeless and near-homeless in Knoxville.

“VMC greatly appreciates Salsarita’s help in raising funds for our ministry,” said Ginny Weatherstone, CEO of Volunteer Ministry Center. “I hope that everyone will join us at the new Salsarita’s in Cedar Bluff for a great burrito for a great cause.”

The Volunteer Ministry Center works to prevent and end homeless in our community. Many young families at risk of losing their housing have found direction and new hope at VMC. The ministry helps homeless people who want to work their way out of homelessness to achieve a dignified place of their own. In the United States, approximately 3.5 million people will experience homelessness this year, and of that number, 1.6 million are children.

Published May 23, 2013