The Tri-State Megabucks ticket sold in St. Albans, Vermont, that produced a $6.27 million winner in September will have a community impact thanks to Hannaford Supermarkets, the grocery retailer that sold the ticket.
Hannaford has donated its $50,000 commission from selling the winning ticket to three local nonprofits focused on increasing access to food and shelter in St. Albans.
“It’s always exciting to see one of our customers experience such good fortune, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by paying it forward to the St. Albans community,” said Melissa Roberge, Hannaford’s director of operations. “We hope this donation will further the efforts of these critical community organizations to increase access to fresh, nutritious food and safe shelter.”
The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, which manages gaming entertainment in the state, praised Hannaford for its generosity.
“On behalf of the DLL, I commend Hannaford Supermarkets for their commitment to supporting Vermont’s local communities,” said Liquor and Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight. “Hannaford’s generosity in donating their Vermont Lottery commission will help provide essential access to safe housing, nourishment and support for homeless youth in Franklin County.”
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Hannaford and the Vermont DLL recently held a check presentation at the store in St. Albans, with the donation divided as follows:
- $10,000 to Martha’s Community Kitchen, which provides free meals to people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
- $20,000 to Samaritan House, which provides emergency shelter and support services to the homeless in Franklin and Grand Isle counties.
- $20,000 to the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth, a statewide program at Elevate Youth Services, which supports a statewide network of runaway and homeless youth programs, including Northwestern Counseling and Support Services.
“We are so grateful for this substantial donation,” said Bob Begley with Martha’s Community Kitchen, a largely volunteer-run organization that served more than 48,000 meals in 2023.
“Donations like this allow us to keep our doors open every day of the year, as we strive to meet our mission of restoring dignity to hungry individuals and families by providing nourishment and companionship in a safe, warm and caring environment.”
Hannaford donates about $53 million annually across its five-state footprint, including 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations.
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