Shopko Foundation Answers Call of American Red Cross, Donates $25,000 to Assist Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

GREEN BAY, Wis., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Though based in Green Bay, Wis., far removed from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy along the East Coast, the Shopko Foundation is committed to assisting the victims of the storm that displaced so many.   The retailer has answered the call put out by the American Red Cross by making a $25,000 donation from the Shopko Foundation to support the Red Cross' critical relief efforts. 

"It's our calling to be a good neighbor and provide support, stability and relief to those in times of need, and this is definitely a time of need for our fellow Americans, including our vendor partners, along the East Coast," said Mike Bettiga, Shopko Interim CEO, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  "Though the Shopko Foundation primarily serves communities in the Midwest, we cannot ignore those in New York, New Jersey and other areas in the East who are desperate for vital supplies such as food and water.  Along with our donation, we send our thoughts and prayers to all who have been affected by the hurricane.  We also encourage our fellow Midwestern-based companies to join us in this important effort in whatever way they can. "

Shopko has a storied history of supporting relief efforts across the United States and abroad. From donating funds in the aftermath of 9/11 to delivering assistance to Haiti after the devastating earthquake, Shopko seeks to serve as a positive corporate role model.   

"The American Red Cross is at the forefront of disaster assistance thanks to generous disaster partners like the Shopko Foundation. Through this donation, we will meet the fear and uncertainty of a crisis with immediate relief, and offer hope for the future to those devastated by Hurricane Sandy," said Steve Hansen, Chapter Executive for the American Red Cross in Northeast Wisconsin.

For more information about Shopko Foundation, its mission and its giving history, visit www.shopko.com/foundation.  For information on how you can assist American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org.

About the Shopko Foundation

Founded in 2007, the Shopko Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation operated exclusively for charitable purposes.  To maximize its impact, the Foundation has a narrow focus on areas of giving that support the health of Shopko customers, teammates and communities. The Foundation also recognizes that education is fundamental to an individual's health and functionality in society. Funds support established non-profit organizations with a proven record of success in maintaining solid, critical programs or innovative new organizations and programs supported by established non-profits or successful leadership.  The Foundation issues grants to support organizations or programs that help citizens of all ages maintain or improve their physical health and help students succeed in school and become self-sufficient adults.

For more information, visit www.shopko.com/foundation.

About Shopko

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC is a $3 billion retailer that operates almost 350 stores in 22 states throughout the Midwest, Mountain, North Central and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 134 Shopko stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in small to mid-sized cities; 5 Shopko Express Rx stores, a convenient neighborhood drugstore concept; and 118 Shopko Hometown locations, a smaller concept store developed to meet the needs of smaller communities.  Shopko is in the process of converting over 55 recently-acquired stores and pharmacies to the Shopko Hometown brand.  For more information, visit www.shopko.com.

SOURCE Shopko