In recognition of veterans, Kroger has donated more than $3.3 million to USO in 2014

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Monday announced a total contribution to the USO of more than $3.3 million for 2014.

 

The funds were raised through the company's Honoring Our Heroes sales event in May and customer contributions collected at check stands through the summer and fall. 

 

Since 2010, the Kroger family of stores, in partnership with customers, associates and vendors, has donated a total of $11.8 million to help support the military and their families — the largest cumulative gift to the USO in that organization's history, Kroger reported.  

 

"The USO connects with our service men and women every step of the way, and Kroger is proud to honor our troops and veterans by supporting them," said Lynn Marmer, Kroger's group VP corporate affairs. "We are humbled by the generosity our customers have shown through their participation in Kroger's Honoring Our Heroes campaign; and we thank our associates in the military for their service to our country, our communities, and our company."

 

Kroger has set aside $100,000 of the donations for customers to decide which of the USO's programs will receive additional support. Customers can visit www.HonoringOurHeroes.com and click "You Choose Kroger Gives" to select from one of the four options and Kroger will donate $1 to the selected program.

 

Kroger also recognizes company employees and their families who are active and former military members on HonoringOurHeroes.com, where customers can read their stories, learn how to volunteer with the USO or make an individual donation.

 

Kroger remains committed to hiring veterans. Since 2009, more than 22,000 veterans have joined the company.