Stop & Shop to Help Neighbors in Need in Western Massachusetts

QUINCY, Mass., June, 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC announced today it will begin a solicitation campaign to raise money specifically to help those affected by the recent tornadoes in Massachusetts. One hundred percent of the donations will go directly to the American Red Cross of Central and Western Massachusetts.

The fundraising campaign will begin Friday, June 17th and continue through Monday, July 4th, in all Stop & Shop stores across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Customers will be asked at the time of their purchase if they would like to make a contribution to the tornado victims and clean up efforts. Any full dollar amount will be accepted. Stop & Shop has designated the American Red Cross as the primary beneficiary of monies raised; the American Red Cross has the reach and scope to help individuals and families that are immediately affected by crisis such as natural disasters.

"Stop & Shop wants to help and our customers have also asked how they can help. The devastation in this area has impacted both our customers and associates," said Mark McGowan, New England division president of Stop & Shop. "We're pleased to be able to provide this campaign in our stores to support the American Red Cross, an organization that works tirelessly to help those who need it most during this difficult time."

The campaign follows Stop & Shop's immediate response to this local crisis which has included various product and supply donations to the American Red Cross, West Springfield and Worcester Fire Departments, and other organizations. Stop & Shop store teams in the Springfield, Sturbridge, and Worcester areas have been conducting and participating in local fundraisers to support customers and fellow associates who have been directly affected.

About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs nearly 62,000 associates and operates more than 390 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promotes general health and wellness – with emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program; has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores; and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.

SOURCE The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company