From now until Nov. 15, patrons of both Winn-Dixie stores in Picayune can make a difference in the lives of wounded veterans.
For the second time this year, Southeastern Grocers, parent company of BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores, are hosting a campaign to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project Independence Program.
Monday, Southeastern Grocers announced the initiation of a Wall of Honor, to be filled with dedications to veterans.
In July, the company raised more than $3 million dollars for WWP when they donated all profits garnered from their 790 stores on July 4.
According to a release from Southeastern Grocers, the mission of WWP is to raise awareness and provide aid for injured service members. The IP was created in 2011, and pairs warriors who rely on their families and caregivers because of injuries to the brain, spinal cord or other neurological conditions with a case manager who develops a personalized plan to restore meaningful levels of activity in their lives, the release states.
Kate Speakes, Winn-Dixie’s Mississippi District Director, encourages customers to purchase a $1 dedication, or as many as they want.
“They can write their name and a special dedication to veterans,” Speakes said. “Every cashier who ask me, I buy one from and write a thanks to our veterans. They have given so much for our country. I’m so proud of what we’ve done so far. Three million dollars raised was insane and shows how awesome and giving our community can be.”
The Wall of Honor will serve as a visual testament to the men and women who serve and sacrifice for the nation, the release states.
Speakes said people can also leave personal tributes on Winn-Dixie and WWP’s Facebook pages and Twitter feeds with the hash tag #allforhonor.
“During our successful Independence Day campaign, which raised more than $3 million for the WWP IP, we were inspired by our customers and associates who wrote personal dedications to their own warriors on program signage in our stores,” CEO and President of Southeastern Grocers Ian McLeod said in the release. “We fully recognize their pride and continue to honor and give thanks to our military and their families for their sacrifices. We serve our customers in states with some of the highest active duty military populations in our country, so this cause is especially important to our associates, customers and the communities in which we live.”
Southeastern Grocers also announced that WWP is now an official charity partner, which will facilitate future campaigns, the release states.
WWP CEO Steve Nardizzi said in the release this alliance gives WWP the necessary resources to honor and empower wounded warriors.
“The Independence Day campaign surpassed every expectation we had, and we are profoundly grateful to Southeastern Grocers, their incredible staff and their loyal customers for their dedication to this nation’s veterans. We’re excited for what Southeastern Grocers will do for our alumni yet again this year, as they continue to exemplify what can be achieved when like-minded charities and corporations join forces,” Nardizzi said in the release.
Speaks said the campaign provides an opportunity to take pride in the nation’s veterans and shows how one simple act by individuals can make an impact. Children can also see how, when $1 is combined with other dollars, can add up to thousands of dollars in impact from one store.
Thursday, Bobby and Randy Graves of Poplarville were spotted placing their donor cards on the Wall of Honor at the Winn-Dixie on Highway 43 North.
“I like it because it’s helping the veterans,” Randy Graves said. “They do so much for us trying to keep us safe. They need all the help they can get.”
There are two participating stores in Picayune, located at 801 Highway 11 and 1701 Highway 43 North.