SALT LAKE CITY – In 2012, Smith’s Food and Drug Stores donated $10 million to over 2,200 nonprofit organizations in seven western states, including $4.2 million to Utah charities.
In St. George, Cedar City and other parts of Southern Utah, $194,000 in cash and products was donated. Approximately $180,000 of that was perishable food items given to Dixie Care and Share and Iron County Care and Share; $8,800 in cash contributions was given to schools.
“The remainder was a collection of grants to nonprofit organizations in the area. In addition, we are the largest corporate contributor to Primary Children’s Medical Center, which serves children in Southern Utah. And our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer sponsorship with the American Cancer Society benefits women in Southern Utah,” said Marsha Gilford, public relations specialist for Smith’s Food and Drug Stores.
Smith’s donations are primarily focused in the following areas: hunger, education, children’s hospitals, women’s health, minority development and grassroots organizations. A report summarizing the company’s social philanthropy and complete records of specific organizations supported in 2012 is available online.
The company’s “Neighbor to Neighbor” charitable giving program provided an average donation of nearly $75,000 per store location throughout Smith’s seven western states of operation. The support also includes contributions from the Kroger Foundation, Smith’s parent company, suppliers, associates and customers through in-store fundraising promotions.
“Our associates help us to reach out in meaningful ways within the community,” Smith’s President Mark Tuffin said. “We work with both our associates and customers to support many nonprofit organizations in their service to others.”
Smith’s is a division of the Kroger Company, one of the nation’s largest retail grocers. From its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Smith’s manages 131 stores and 75 fuel centers throughout Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and Idaho. Visit Smith’s website to learn more.
Submitted by: Smith’s Food and Drug Stores
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