CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. here said Friday it is launching a fund-raising campaign on behalf of children's hospitals in several divisions, encompassing Ralphs Grocery Co. stores in Southern California, Food 4 Less locations in Southern California, southern Nevada and the Greater Chicago area and Foods Co. stores in Northern Callfornia.

 
The company said the stores will place canisters at their checkstands through May 19 so customers and associates can donate spare change that will be donated to a variety of children's hospitals in each area.
 
According to Donna Giordano, president of Ralphs, "We cannot think of a better way to invest in our communities than by giving families and children hope through our support of the outstanding work these hospitals are doing to provide world-class medical care for children."
 
According to Kroger, the Ralphs, Foods 4 Less and Foods Co. chains have combined to raise more than $2.2 million since 2005 for children's hospitals.