Dunkin' Brands launches heroes program

Dunkin' Brands Inc., the Canton-based parent of Dunkin' Donuts, announced today the launch of a new program to recognize community heroes.

The first person to be honored by the "Serving Heroes" program is New York carpenter Gerry Crimmins, who spent vacation time rebuilding firehouses destroyed in the aftermath of hurricanes that ravaged New Orleans, said Dunkin' Brands, which also operates the Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain.

The Serving Heroes is a new program from the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation, and it will encourage the public to call attention to people who do community service in times of crisis, the company said.

Each month, the foundation will identify a new hero, who will be eligible for a year's supply of free Dunkin' Donuts coffee or Baskin-Robbins ice cream, the company said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)