WINN-DIXIE STORES TEAMS UP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN MIAMI

RICHARD TURCSIK

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores' Miami Division teamed with several Center Store vendors and Habitat for Humanity to build a house here for one needy family.

The house, which was dedicated yesterday, was built by Winn-Dixie employees who donated their time for the effort, said Terry Walsh, marketing director for Winn-Dixie Stores' Miami Division in Pompano Beach.

"We advertised our participation in the program by having special displays in the stores featuring the products of participating manufacturers who helped us with the cost of the house," Walsh told SN. The promotion ran last month.

When SN visited the Miami market last month, Winn-Dixie stores were advertising the house-building effort with large banners, in addition to the in-store displays.

"Help support Habitat for Humanity and build a home for a local family. With the purchase of the brands listed below you can help to build a better community to live in," stated the banner in the North Miami Beach store.

Participating Center Store brands included Golden Dipt, Smucker's, Newman's Own, The Budget Gourmet, Mott's, Pillsbury, Ore-Ida, Crowley Foods, Star-Kist and Weight Watchers Smart Ones.

"Our vendor partners bought into the program to help support it, and then we gave them the display," Walsh said.

Walsh noted this is the first time Winn-Dixie has teamed with Habitat for Humanity to help build a home. The effort was well-received by shoppers, he said.