For the second year in a row, Southeastern Grocers, parent company of BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores, will donate all profits from its Fourth of July sales to wounded veterans.
Last year, Southeastern Grocers raised more than $3 million and are hoping to reach that amount and more this year, Mississippi’s Winn-Dixie District Manager Kate Speakes said.
This year, all funds will be donated to Hope For The Warriors, an organization founded by military families in 2006, a release from Southeastern Grocers states.
In 2015, Hope For The Warriors contributed $300,000 in temporary financial assistance to 264 eligible military families, the release states.
In addition, the non-profit has granted 151 wishes, served 10,000 veterans through support programs concentrated on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement and community resources, the release states.
“Hope For The Warriors is humbled and very thankful to Southeastern Grocers for this incredible opportunity and support,” Robin Kelleher, co-founder, president and CEO of Hope For The Warriors said in the release. “Through this unique promotion, they are helping us reach thousands of patriotic Americans who truly understand the sacrifices of our veterans, service members and military families.”
More than a quarter of active duty military personnel live in the footprint of Southeastern Grocers, Speakes said. Many veterans live with the invisible wounds of war such as brain trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, she added.
“They have given so much and we give thanks to those who serve,” Speakes said. “Just with everyday grocery shopping, people can give back. We have a responsiblity to those who sacrificed for us and Hope For The Warriors does just that.”
In addition to purchasing groceries Monday, customers can also donate at the register until July 10, Speakes said. Customers will receive a card to write messages to military heroes, which will be displayed on the store’s Wall of Honor, she said.
Wednesday, Roy Gjertsen of Picayune was shopping in Winn-Dixie and stopped to not only glance at the Wall of Honor, but also sign his name to the cardboard cutout of a soldier, which is reserved for veterans.
Gjertsen served in the United States Marine Corps for 22 years. During that time, he served his country twice during the Korean War, once during the China Formosa and also fought in Vietnam.
“This is a good idea,” he said. “Anything to help wounded veterans. It’s one of my favorite projects to personally contribute to. Bad wounds can cause limbs to become unusable and they should get support from projects like this.”
Learn more about Hope For The Warriors at www.hopeforthewarriors.org and through Facebook and Twitter.
There are two Winn-Dixie locations in Picayune at 1701 Hwy. 43 N. and 801 Hwy. 11 S. Both stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Fourth of July.