Safeway Makes the First Five Years of Life Count for Kids with Disabilities

Safeway just launched their annual People with Disabilities fundraising campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and Rebuilding Together. This April, shop any Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Dominick's, Genuardi's, or Carrs store and make a donation at checkout to support Easter Seals early identification, treatment and intervention services for kids at risk of developmental delays and those who have autism and other disabilities.

Making the First Five Count for All Children 
As the largest provider of early intervention services, Easter Seals knows what's possible when kids get the support they need during the first few years of life - and also what happens when they don't.

Through Safeway's campaign, more children will have access to early intervention services-programs that strengthen children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual abilities and provide the building blocks for success in school and in life.

These young children who get the best start in life today will create our nation's workforce for tomorrow. Because children who get the help they need early are less likely to be held back a grade, less likely to need special education and more likely to graduate high school(1). They are less involved in crime and delinquency, earn more as adults and are less likely to become dependent on welfare. Early care keeps kids in school and helps them find jobs; it keeps kids in communities and out of jail. (2)

"As a company that proudly employs thousands of people with disabilities, Safeway directly benefits from the work of these programs and is committed to contributing to their success and increasing their outreach," says Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of the Safeway Foundation.

Since Easter Seals and Safeway's partnership began in 1986, Safeway has contributed millions to Easter Seals, surpassing the $100 million mark in 2009.

"Safeway's commitment to Easter Seals and the millions of families we serve runs far beyond the annual fundraising campaign," says James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. "The need for services is greater than ever -- especially therapy for young kids at risk of developmental delays and those who have autism and other disabilities. We are appreciative and honored that Safeway and its thousands of employees are committed to helping us make a significant difference."

How Safeway is Funding Kids' Futures 
Funds raised will support many Easter Seals' disability services for children and adults across the country including: 

"Safeway's in-store cause campaign in April is literally changing the lives of thousands of children and adults living with autism and other disabilities," adds Williams.