Kroger, Weis Support Soldiers

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. here and Weis Markets, Sunbury, Pa., have both launched programs aimed at supporting members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Kroger on Thursday said it was launching a new effort to recruit military veterans for jobs at its stores as an extension of its honoringourheroes.com website, which aims to support military workers and their families through in-store and online activities.

Veterans seeking employment can find links to jobs and more info at the site. Kroger's commitment includes joining several major companies in the 100,000 Jobs Mission, with a goal of collectively hiring more than 100,000 transitioning service members and military veterans by 2020. More than 17,000 veterans have joined Kroger's ranks since 2009, the company said.

"We are grateful that veterans have served Kroger customers for more than a century," David Dillon, Kroger's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Today, hundreds of Kroger associates serve in the armed forces, either as members of reserve units or on active-duty status, and thousands are military veterans. With more veterans coming home, we are continuing this proud tradition through a renewed commitment to recruit our nation's military and veterans."

Kroger employees recently formed the Kroger Veterans Associate Resource Group, an affinity group that helps fellow veterans connect in the workplace through education, mentoring and networking opportunities.

More news: Hy-Vee to Give Free Meal to Veterans

Meanwhile, Weis Markets announced the launch of its second annual “Believe in Heroes” promotion to benefit Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an organization that raises awareness and enlists public support for the needs of injured service members. Weis has set a goal to raise more than its inaugural $100,000 donation, made in 2011. The program will run in all 162 Weis stores through December.

Weis customers may contribute to the Believe in Heroes program by purchasing select products from brand names including Ore-Ida, Dannon, Gerber, Sargento and many more with the special Wounded Warrior Project label. Customers may also purchase Wounded Warrior Project bracelets or magnets selling for $1 each, and reusable tote bags for $2.99.

"Weis customers are always incredibly generous, especially when we ask them to help us assist the men and women who've honorably served our country," said Kurt Schertle, executive vice president of Weis Markets, in a statement. "We're confident that together we can make an impact for the Wounded Warrior Project and help to raise much-needed funds to support these servicemen and women for having sacrificed so much for our country."

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