K-VA-T SETS UP FUND FOR VIRGINIA TECH VICTIMS
ABINGDON, Va. — K-VA-T Food Stores here has pledged $50,000 to honor the victims of last month's shootings at Virginia Tech where 33 people died, including the gunman. The retailer also is inviting its associates, customers and vendors to contribute during a three-week drive that runs through May 12. K-VA-T will work with the university to determine how the donations will best serve those affected by the tragedy, a spokesman said.
KROGER SUPPORTS SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE
CINCINNATI — Kroger in partnership with its vendors and suppliers completed a two-week campaign on May 5 — Give Hope a Hand — to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization that is celebrating its 25th year in fighting breast cancer. The campaign profiled three Kroger associates who are breast cancer survivors and who were featured on products, including Kellogg's Special K cereal and Keebler Club Crackers. Kroger pharmacies handed out information and a fact sheet about the disease to women 18 and older picking up prescriptions. Kroger and its vendors pledged $2.5 million to assist regional Komen affiliates.
GIANT/MARTINS' CHAMPIONS GO GRASS ROOTS
CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores and Martins Food Markets are reaching out to their local markets through community champions appointed at each of their 215 stores under the Giant, Tops and Martins banners. The program was initially launched in 2003 but is being refreshed this year to increase community outreach at the local level, said a company spokesman. Community champions develop and execute local programs and promote their individual store within the community. Such programs include holiday and multicultural celebrations, corporate community relations, and Cash For Causes, Giant/Martin's discount gift card for not-for-profit fund-raising. Last year Giant, Martin's and Tops contributed a combined total of $25 million to charitable causes, the company said.
SAFEWAY CONTINUES LONG SUPPORT OF EASTER SEALS
PLEASANTON, Calif. — More than 1,500 stores in the Safeway network ran a checkout donation drive for Easter Seals last month. The goal was to collect $5 million for the organization that aids those with disabilities, including autism, a growing developmental disability that affects 1.5 million Americans. Since 1985, Safeway and The Safeway Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, have raised nearly $78 million for Easter Seals.
STEW LEONARD EMBRACES WATER SAFETY, NUTRITION
NORWALK, Conn. — Stew Leonard earlier this year released a third children's book, “The Healthy Way” (Kimberly Press), under the Stew Leonard III Children's Charities. Last year the retailer broadened the focus of its non-profit charity, established in memory of Stew and Kim Leonard Jr.'s 2-year-old son, Stew Leonard III, who drowned while on a family vacation in 1989. Taking a cue from the foundation's success in water safety education through the Stewie the Duck books, the new release, co-authored by Meghan Flynn, a registered dietitian at Stew Leonard, promotes kids' nutrition. Proceeds from the book, which retails for $4.95, go back into the foundation to fund nutrition education programs for children and donations of the books to schools and kids who take nutrition store tours.
