Jewel-Osco will be relaunching their at-register fundraising campaign through their “Making Change” donation program called “Change for Champions” in support of Special Olympics Illinois this July.
This program will run from July 1-31 at 184 Jewel-Osco locations and customers will be encouraged to make a $1, $3 or $5 donation.
“Change for Champions” will feature Thomas Strack, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete and employee of Jewel-Osco. This year, Thomas is celebrating 25 years with Jewel-Osco working as a courtesy clerk/bagger in the Palos Heights store at 12803 S. Harlem Ave.
“Thomas has been a wonderful, hardworking employee who knows many of our customers on a first name basis and continually offers them assistance with their groceries,” said Mike Withers, President of Jewel-Osco. “He is also known for handing out holiday greeting cards to all of his fellow associates. A courtesy they look forward to every year.”
Thomas Strack served on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Illinois for three years and is currently a Global Messenger. Thomas competes in powerlifting and basketball with Special Olympics Illinois and previously figured skated for several years.
Jewel-Osco’s vision is to be the favorite neighborhood food and drug retailer in every community they serve, with helpful associates, competitive prices and high-quality, fresh products. Jewel-Osco is also the presenting sponsor of the 10th Annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby that benefits Special Olympics Illinois and splashes into the Chicago River on August 6, 2015. Learn more at www.chicagoduckrace.com.
The money raised during this campaign will go directly to Special Olympics Illinois which benefits programs including sending athletes to the World Games in California and Project UNIFY ®. Please join Special Olympics Illinois in thanking all of the Jewel-Osco team members by stopping by your local store and showing your support. For locations in Illinois, please visit www.jewelosco.com.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 21,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit www.soill.org.
CONTACT:
Alexandra McMillin, 630-942-5621