Cancer touches nearly every American in one way or another. Either we know someone who lost their struggle with the disease and passed away, or we may ourselves be fighting cancer. Organizations like Relay for Life strive to help raise money for cancer research through community oriented activities. Recently, they partnered with Panera Bread for the second year in a row to hold their new fundraising program, Receipts for Relay.

During Receipts for Relay, which was conducted from January 10 through May 10, for any receipt that was donated at covelli.com/relay, Panera Bread donated 15 percent of the total price towards Relay for Life. Last year, Panera Bread was able to raise $1,000 for the charity organization. While this is an impressive amount, it pales in comparison to this year’s total of $3,239.15.

“We are all about giving back to the community and wanted to help as much as we could,” said Panera Bread Regional Marketing Director Melissa Lemieux.

Lemieux presented the check to Liberty County event lead Karen Bell at Hinesville’s Panera Bread the morning of May 15. The money given to Relay for Life will be transferred to the American Cancer Society for cancer research. Aside from cancer research, the American Cancer Society also offers makeovers for cancer patients, lodging during treatment as well as transportation to appointments.