Local Dignitaries ‘Bag for Hunger’ at ShopRite Rio Grande

RIO GRANDE – Customers looked on in wonder as a number of local dignitaries, including Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue, took their places at bagging stations at ShopRite Rio Grande on Wednesday, Sept. 17. During this annual event, titled “Bag for Hunger”, County dignitaries bag customers’ groceries, encouraging donations to ShopRite’s Partners In Caring fight against hunger. Also in attendance were Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi, Freeholder Will Morey, Lower Township Mayor Mike Beck, Lower Township Manager Mike Voll, and Middle Township Committeeman Dan Lockwood.
Each year, during September’s National Hunger Awareness Month each year, ShopRite associates band together to raise help and hope for the hungry in a friendly competition that spans across six states. Sponsored by ShopRite and General Mills, the ShopRite Partners In Caring contest has resulted in an astounding $33 million in funds raised since its start in 1999.
Showing their commitment to the fight against hunger through the collection of donations at checkout and in-store events, ShopRite associates meet this annual challenge head-on, finding new and creative ways to raise funds for their neighbors in need. ShopRite Rio Grande is no exception, hosting hot dog, pretzel, and even root beer float sales in-store daily in order to raise funds for the cause. The store is also hosting a raffle for a $200 ShopRite gift card, with chances selling for just $1. All proceeds will benefit Partners In Caring.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, ShopRite Rio Grande invites all local community members to join the fundrasinig fun at the Partners In Caring Beef & Beer held at Menz Restaurant. The Beef & Beer will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. and will feature great food, draft beer, a 50/50, and raffles. Tickets are available for purchase at the store’s customer service counter or at the door the day of the event for just $20 per person.
In addition to fighting hunger in their communities, each of the 41 winning stores are awarded with the selection of two associates to be featured on a special-edition Cheerios box to be sold exclusively at ShopRites stores during the month of March.
Customer Advocate and Shoprite Rio Grande Assistant Manager Janice DeGaetano proudly displayed the past years’ Cheerio boxes featuring local employees’ smiling faces. DeGaetano has set a 2014 fundraising goal of $12,000 for the Rio Grande store. “To date, we’ve raised about $6,900. I’m hoping that we can kick it up a notch,” she stated excitedly. “If our store places in the top contestants, we get a check for $1,000,” explained DiGaetano. That check is then donated to a County food pantry of her choice.