HUTCHINSON, Kan. – United Way of Reno County has been proud to partner with Kroger Companies during the 2015-2016 annual fundraising campaign. Kroger Companies which consist of Dillon Stores, KWIK Shops, Kroger Accounting Services, Kroger C-Stores Corp Office and Jackson Dairy have in total contributed 17% of the United Way total goal for this year. Combined they have raised $254,932 for our community through the 2015-2016 United Way annual fund drive.
These organizations have found creative ways to engage their employees in the community and help them to learn more about the needs that United Way dollars are supporting. Dillon employees helped make a difference at six United Way partner agencies during the 2015 Day of Caring. The Day of Caring was a great way for the employees to actually see their gift at work. They helped stock shelves at the Food Bank, stuff Back to School backpacks for First Call for Help. They repaired a front porch for Interfaith Housing and worked with kids at Hadley Day Care and also delivered Meals on Wheels. Dillons has taken a leadership role in this community by donating not only time but money. For the third year, Dillon Stores holds the top spot for most dollars raised by a single company in Reno County. Marlene Stewart, Dillon stores President states, “These are just some of the terrific examples of how our Dillon’s associates contributed to the United Way. I am proud that our team is leaving a personal mark and a lasting impression on the lives of so many! Together, we are creating opportunities for a better life for all in Reno County.”
KWIK Shop hosted an annual golf tournament to benefit United Way of Reno County. This fun outdoor event is a highlight for United Way each year. Many tournament attendees come from all over the United States as Kwik Shop creatively harnesses an opportunity to host Kwik Shop vendors and business partners and raises significant financial resources for United Way at the same time. Additionally, all proceeds from Kwik Shop air machines are donated each year to local United Ways. KWIK Shop President, Kevin Hess states, “We are humbled by the opportunity to partner with United Way to ensure that together we can help make our community strong, particularly for those experiencing life’s setbacks. After all our associates, vendors, and customers remind us that working together we can accomplish so much more than alone. So it is in this season of giving that we pause and again thank our associates, vendors, and customers with whom we are proud to partner with United Way for such a worthy cause. ”
All Kroger Companies ran a United Way employee campaign which included incentives for giving such as jeans days, PTO opportunities and other valued incentives and gives employees the opportunity to hear about how their United Way gift is at work in this community. “I was once told by a Dillon executive that if you want to change someone’s attitude, you have to change their experience. The Kroger companies in Reno County profoundly embrace this and it shows as the associates of all five Kroger companies are very generous people with time and money,” said Tona Turner, Executive Director, United Way of Reno County.
It is not too late to give. You can join the Kroger companies in supporting this community through a gift to United Way. Contributions may be sent to: P.O. Box 2230, Hutchinson, KS 67504-2230, or text to 91999 then type “Reno” in the message box or make a donation at www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org.