Kroger contributes $2.9 million to USO

CINCINNATI - Kroger on Tuesday announced a total contribution to the USO of nearly $2.9 million for 2015. This total includes a company contribution of $1 million in funds and in-kind donations totaling $250,000.

 

The remaining support was raised through customers and associates who contributed at check stands, purchased special gift cards to be delivered to USO centers, or donated online throughout Kroger's year-long Honoring Our Heroes campaign.

 

Kroger also announced that as a result of its one-day Honoring our Heroes hiring event held on Sept. 15, the company hired more than 2,000 military veterans and their family members. Kroger has hired more than 32,000 veterans since 2009 as part of its commitment to active duty troops and the nation's 23 million veterans.

 

"Whether through our customer, associate and company support of the USO or creating career opportunities for transitioning service men and women, Kroger is dedicated to our nation's active duty troops and 23 million military veterans and their families," stated Lynn Marmer, Kroger's group VP corporate affairs.

 

As a token of appreciation for the many family dinners missed while deployed, Kroger invited troops and families to enjoy the summer barbecue experience in 11 bases across the country.  Kroger also provided a taste of home by sending barbecue "fixins" to three international bases for our deployed troops to enjoy overseas in Camp Buehring, Kuwait; Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany.  

 

Since 2010, the Kroger family of stores, in partnership with customers, associates and vendors, has donated a total of $14.8 million to help support the military and their families – the largest cumulative gift to the USO in that organization's history. 

 

"The money raised by Kroger's 'Honoring Our Heroes' campaign speaks volumes to their generosity and that of their customers," said J.D. Crouch II, USO CEO and president. "For nearly 75 years, the USO has kept our servicemen and women connected to their family, home and country by providing the support, programs and entertainment that keep their morale high. Partners like Kroger, allow us to deliver on our important mission."