Fareway Meat & Grocery donated $288,869.96 to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through customer round-up purchases between Nov. 24-Dec. 24. This year’s total reflects an increase of more than $13,000 compared to last year’s campaign.
The annual toy drive also collected 20,381 new toys across participating Fareway locations. The collection effort was supported by KCCI 8 News, whose newscasts featured live reports and promotions from several Fareway stores throughout the campaign. The toys will be distributed to children across Iowa.
“Our customers continue to inspire us with their kindness and willingness to give,” said Jeff Stearns, SVP of marketing and advertising at Fareway.
“We are proud to partner with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation each year, and we’re incredibly thankful for everyone who rounded up at the register or donated a toy. Their generosity helps brighten the holidays for thousands of children.”
Media partnership drives results
KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by viewers, partners and volunteers.
“Our generous viewers continue to make us proud as we lead this annual tradition,” Sather said.
“This year, we are thrilled to announce that we collected over 16,000 toys for kids in need. We are also grateful to Fareway, American Equity, IBEW 347, Prairie Meadows, and their employees who pour their heart and soul into helping ensure no child in Iowa goes without a toy during the holidays. Together, our community shows what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause.”
Lt. Gen. Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, praised Fareway customers and partners for their continued impact.
“The compassion shown by Fareway customers and the Iowa community is extraordinary,” Lt. Gen. Laster said. “Their generous contributions help us deliver hope and joy to children who need it most. We are grateful for Fareway’s dedicated partnership and the remarkable support provided again this holiday season.”
Top performing locations
The top 10 Fareway locations during this year’s Toys for Tots round-up campaign were:
- Norwalk, Iowa: $6,757.11
- Ankeny (north location), Iowa: $4,904.80
- Polk City, Iowa: $4,603.73
- Ames, Iowa: $4,598.25
- Council Bluffs, Iowa: $4,397.11
- Basehor, Kansas: $4,292.01
- Decorah, Iowa: $4,131.66
- Dubuque, Iowa: $3,773.49
- West Des Moines (Grand Ave.), Iowa: $3,757.99
- Ankeny (south location), Iowa: $3,684.60
For more than a decade, Fareway has partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to help ensure local children have gifts to open on Christmas morning. The company remains committed to strengthening communities through charitable efforts and partnerships.
Fareway Stores operates 143 stores in a seven-state region. The family-owned business is recognized as a top 10 employer in Iowa and has more than 13,000 total employees.
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