RETAILERS LAUNCH CHARITY EFFORTS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie, Stater Bros., Kroger and Vons are among the retailers that have or will conduct major holiday charitable efforts. The 6th annual Winn-Dixie Stores Foundation Charity Classic, held on Nov. 2, generated a record $1.3 million. The foundation funds educational, health, youth and anti-hunger programs throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Likewise, Kroger Co. has kicked off its annual Salvation Army Red Kettle holiday campaign to provide emergency services in more than 5,000 communities across the country. The campaign also funds toys for children at Christmas, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and many other social services throughout the year. More than 83 cents of every dollar is used to directly assist families in need. Meanwhile, Stater Bros. partnered with Vanir Development Co. to help provide Thanksgiving meals for 250 families at Burbank Elementary School in San Bernardino, Calif. A Stater Bros. truck delivered the donation to the school. The Vons Foundation announced that it will donate $20,000 to The Midnight Mission, one of the oldest social service organizations in the Los Angeles region. The Vons Foundation has also supported various Midnight Mission programs, including meal services, emergency shelter, drug and alcohol recovery.
