KR Kroger Co

CINCINNATI, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army's iconic red kettles will once again usher in the holiday season at The Kroger Co.'s (NYSE: KR) family of stores. Each year, customers and associates generously support The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign that provides food, clothing, toys and social services in the communities where funds are raised.

"Kroger has been a strong and dedicated supporter of The Salvation Army for many years in communities throughout the United States," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "As many families continue to feel the impact of the economic downturn, each donation to a red kettle is more important than ever to provide assistance for food, clothing, shelter and more at Christmas and year-round."

In 2011, Kroger customers and associates contributed $13.3 million to the campaign, which represents 9% of the record $147.6 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.

Kroger Honored at Annual Salvation Army Event

The Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati honored The Kroger Co. today with the "Others" Award for exemplifying a spirit of service to the community.

The Salvation Army "Others" Award stems from the early 1900s when General William Booth, The Salvation Army's founder, sent a one-word telegram to encourage his officers around the world. His message read simply, "Others." Today, the "Others" Award honors an individual or organization exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to 'others,' not only through support of The Salvation Army but the broader community as well.

David Dillon, Kroger's chairman and chief executive officer, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

"We value our historic partnership with The Salvation Army, which provides our customers and associates with the opportunity to make small contributions that add up to make a big difference in our local communities," said Mr. Dillon. "The familiar red kettles are an enduring symbol of giving and caring during the holiday season and we are grateful to share in this tradition."

Since 2007, more than $57 million has been raised at Kroger family stores across the country. 

Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs more than 339,000 associates who serve customers in 2,425 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names 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 788 convenience stores, 342 fine jewelry stores, 1,124 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 160 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Million Dollar Club.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.