Frostys for Families: A Sweet Way to Support Foster Care Adoption with Wendy’s
Every bite of a Wendy’s Frosty brings a wave of nostalgia for me. Long before I was sharing recipes and stories online, I was that girl in the early 1980s, donning the classic Wendy’s uniform, taking orders at the counter and through the drive-thru. I can still vividly recall the precise order of condiments for a perfect hamburger, the warmth of the baked potato oven, and the meticulous process of cleaning the iconic Frosty machine. Those were formative years, filled with the simple joys of serving up classic American comfort food, and the Frosty, in particular, always held a special place.
The Frosty wasn’t just a dessert; it was often the centerpiece of family outings, a shared treat that brought smiles and created memories. From the satisfying crunch of fries dipped into its creamy coolness to the pure delight on a child’s face, the Frosty has always been more than just a sweet treat. Decades later, it remains a favorite for my own children, a timeless delight that continues to bring people together.
More Than a Treat: Dave Thomas’s Vision for Foster Care Adoption
What many might not realize is that the beloved Wendy’s Frosty is deeply connected to a powerful philanthropic mission: The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®. This connection makes every Frosty purchase an act of kindness, turning a simple indulgence into a meaningful contribution. The story begins with Dave Thomas himself, the visionary founder of Wendy’s. Dave, who was adopted, understood firsthand the profound impact a loving, permanent family can have on a child’s life.
His personal experience fueled a lifelong passion for adoption advocacy. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush recognized Dave’s commitment and invited him to be the spokesperson for a national adoption awareness campaign. This pivotal moment led Dave to establish The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® just two years later, in 1992. As a non-profit public charity, its primary, unwavering goal has always been crystal clear: to find a loving, permanent family for every child waiting in foster care. This isn’t just about finding homes; it’s about providing stability, love, and the chance for children to thrive in an environment where they feel safe, cherished, and truly belong.
The foundation’s work addresses a critical need. Across the nation, thousands of children and youth are in the foster care system, often through no fault of their own. They wait for someone to open their hearts and homes, offering them the secure future they deserve. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® is dedicated to dramatically increasing the number of adoptions from foster care, ensuring that more children find their forever families. Their programs, like Wendy’s Wonderful Kids®, focus on finding permanent homes for children who are often overlooked, including older children, sibling groups, and those with special needs. This makes the “Frostys for Families” campaign not just a seasonal promotion, but a vital part of a year-round commitment to a cause that transforms lives.
Wendy’s Halloween Coupon Books: A Simple Act, A Profound Impact
For years, I’ve made it a tradition to purchase Wendy’s Frosty coupon books around Halloween. These little booklets, filled with coupons for free Jr. Frosty™ treats, are perfect for handing out to trick-or-treaters. It’s a small gesture that brings immense joy, offering a sweet surprise that goes beyond the usual candy haul. Imagine the delight on a child’s face when they receive not just a treat, but an experience they can look forward to – a trip to Wendy’s for a free Frosty.
But the impact of these coupon books extends far beyond a momentary treat. Here’s the truly remarkable part: for every $1 Halloween Coupon Book sold at participating Wendy’s locations, ninety cents directly benefits The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®. This incredible generosity means that your dollar is working hard, helping to connect children in foster care with loving, permanent families. It’s a win-win scenario: you get to spread some Halloween cheer, and you contribute to a cause that changes lives forever. This campaign truly embodies the spirit of giving, combining the simple pleasure of a Frosty with the profound good of supporting adoption.
Creative Ways to Share the Frosty Love and Support Adoption
The possibilities for using these Wendy’s Halloween Coupon Books are endless, offering creative ways to spread joy and awareness throughout the community. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- For Trick-or-Treaters: Instead of, or in addition to, candy, slip a coupon or a small booklet into each trick-or-treat bag. It’s a unique and appreciated surprise!
- Classroom Treats: Attach a Frosty booklet (often containing 5 free Jr. Frosty™ coupons) to a treat bag for your kids’ classmates. It’s a fun, non-candy option for school parties.
- Teacher & Caregiver Appreciation: Fill a Mason jar with Free Frosty Coupons, tie a festive ribbon, and insert a cute straw. This makes a thoughtful and unique Halloween gift for daycare providers, teachers, or anyone who works with children. It’s a small token of gratitude that also supports a great cause.
- Community Outreach: Use them as small giveaways at community events, fall festivals, or school fundraisers. It’s an engaging way to interact with people while subtly promoting the foundation.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Keep a few on hand to give to friends, family members, or even strangers as a spontaneous gesture of kindness. Everyone loves a free Frosty!
- Holiday Stocking Stuffers: While traditionally a Halloween item, the coupons are valid through early February, making them perfect small additions to Christmas stockings or as little New Year’s surprises.
The Human Heart of Adoption: A Personal Connection
The cause of adoption is deeply personal for me. My best friend, Teresa, was adopted. We met when we were teenagers, ironically, while working together at Wendy’s – a full-circle moment for this story. For over 30 years, she has been more than a friend; she is the sister I never had, my confidant, and an irreplaceable part of my life. I truly cannot imagine a world without her in it, and I thank God for her every single day. Her story, and the profound impact she has had on my life, constantly reminds me of the incredible gift that adoption offers, not just to the child, but to entire families and communities.
Have you been touched by adoption? Perhaps you were adopted yourself, or you’ve adopted a child. Maybe a loved one in your life found their forever family through adoption. These personal stories are powerful testaments to the fact that family is forged through love, not just biology. The opportunity to provide a child with a stable, loving home is one of the most selfless and life-altering decisions a person can make, creating ripples of positive change that extend for generations.
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® is working tirelessly to ensure that every child waiting in foster care gets to experience that same profound love and security. They envision a nation where every child has a permanent, loving family, and campaigns like “Frostys for Families” are crucial in making that vision a reality. This year, Wendy’s® set an ambitious goal to contribute $10 million to the Foundation through various initiatives, including these Halloween coupon books. By purchasing a $1 booklet, you and I become direct participants in reaching that goal, helping to create countless lasting memories for children and families, all sparked by a simple, delicious Frosty.
Join the Cause: Get Your Wendy’s Halloween Coupon Book Today!
There’s no simpler or sweeter way to make a difference than by participating in the “Frostys for Families” campaign. Head to your local participating Wendy’s® restaurant and purchase a Jr. Frosty™ Halloween Coupon Book for just $1. Not only will you receive coupons for delicious free Jr. Frosty™ treats, but you’ll be directly contributing to The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and their vital work in finding loving homes for children in foster care. These coupons are typically valid for use from November 1st through February 1st, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your treats and spread the joy.
Your small purchase creates a significant ripple effect. It helps fund crucial programs that find permanent families for children who need them most, ensuring they have the chance to grow up in a stable, nurturing environment. So, the next time you’re craving a Frosty, remember the powerful mission behind it. Support The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and treat yourself, your family, and your community to the sweet taste of giving back.
*Coupon book may contain coupons for 5 or 10 free Jr. Frosty™ treats. Prices and participation may vary. Ninety cents of every $1 coupon booklet sold between 9/15/14 and 10/31/14 will benefit The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®. Coupons are valid from 11/1/14 through 2/1/15. ©2014 Oldemark LLC
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.