The community relations initiatives are part of Dunkin’ Donuts separate season-long partnerships with Siena Athletics and with the Albany franchise of the American Hockey League. Dunkin’ Donuts and the Siena Saints introduced the “Dunks for Coffee” initiative in 2007, while the Dunkin’ Donuts partnership with the Devils and corresponding “Goals for Coffee” are new for this season.

“We are honored to partner with the Siena Saints and the Albany Devils to support an organization as vital as the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York,” said Eric Stensland, Upstate New York field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “These partnerships are designed to capture the excitement of each slam dunk and goal and turn them into tangible benefits for the Food Bank.”

“This partnership provides a great opportunity for us to assist the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York as it works tirelessly to help residents in need,” said Siena Athletic Director John D’Argenio. “This is one of the many ways local residents and fans will benefit from the Saints’ partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts this season.”

“We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts and excited about the opportunity to assist a valuable organization like the Regional Food bank of Northeastern New York,” said Albany Devils CEO Chris Ciceri. “Every home goal we score this season takes on added significance knowing it will have a positive impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Regional Food Bank is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to 1,000 charitable agencies feeding the hungry in 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Food Bank helps to feed more than 40,000 people each week. In 2010, the organization distributed 24.9 million pounds of food to the hungry.

In September, Dunkin’ Donuts announced the results of similarly designed charitable initiatives for the 2011 season with professional minor league baseball teams across New York State. All totaled Dunkin’ Donuts donated 900 pounds of coffee to food banks in New York in partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, Binghamton Mets, Syracuse Chiefs, Rochester Red Wings and Buffalo Bisons.