Kroger to Host Salvation Army Bell Ringers

CINCINNATI -- The Salvation Army's iconic red kettles will once again ring in the season at The Kroger Co.'s family of stores. Customers and associates generously support the campaign each year, helping provide food, clothing, toys and social services in the communities where funds are raised.

"We couldn't do what we do in communities nationwide each year without the support of retail partners like Kroger," said Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. "Each time you drop a coin or a bill into that red kettle, you are ensuring that we can help your neighbors in need at Christmas and throughout the year."

In 2009, Kroger customers and associates contributed $11.3 million to the campaign, which represents 8 percent of the $139 million raised nationwide. All funds collected are used locally in the community where the donations are raised. The Red Kettle campaign enables The Salvation Army to assist 30 million Americans in more than 5,000 communities across the country.

"The annual Red Kettle campaign lets our customers and associates make a real difference in the lives of their neighbors in need, one small donation at a time," said Lynn Marmer, group vice president of corporate affairs for Kroger. "We value our long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army and the impact the campaign makes in the communities we serve."

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 334,000 associates who serve customers in 2,468 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 784 convenience stores, 372 fine jewelry stores, 932 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the United States. Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives and local organizations in the communities it serves.