“Ending Hunger Together” was a most appropriate contest theme for the annual ShopRite Partners In Caring Cheerios Contest, sponsored by ShopRite and General Mills.
The pandemic did not stop ShopRite associates from carrying out this annual campaign during “Hunger Action Month” in September, when they rallied to collect donations from customers to support the fight against hunger.
Each year, ShopRite and General Mills recognize the 45 top fundraising ShopRite stores with additional prize money to give to local food pantries of their choice, and ranking in the top five this year was ShopRite of West Deptford.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden was one of two beneficiaries to receive this donation. Throughout the pandemic, the agency has continued to carry out its services, providing food and other essential services to those most in need throughout South Jersey.
In a celebration held this month at the West Deptford ShopRite, store director Mike Ross stood alongside the store’s sales associates who carried out the campaign. Assembled behind them was a tower of limited-edition cereal boxes, each featuring a photograph of one of the store’s sales associates in recognition of their efforts in this charitable endeavor.
“It’s no accident that it happened here in West Deptford,” Ross said, smiling. “Our customers are generous, our team works so hard. Hunger is no joke, I have two daughters and I couldn’t imagine them going to bed hungry. We want to do all we can to help charities within our retail community, it’s a pleasure and honor.”
A representative from Wakefern Food Corp. spoke of the beneficiaries of the Partners in Caring campaign. “These are groups that are truly on the front lines, in the trenches fighting against hunger; every day people from every community utilize these food services — [these groups] never judge, never discriminate… for decades, day in and day out, they have been there to serve no matter what. If you’re in the fight against hunger, we’re here to support you on your mission.”
Accepting the donation was Kevin Hickey, executive director, and Wallybeth Figueroa, senior case manager in Gloucester County.
“Catholic Charities, and those we serve, are grateful to all those who made this campaign possible and carried it out faithfully even during the strains of the pandemic,” Hickey said. ShopRite Partners in Caring “have demonstrated their commitment to solidarity and to charity for years, and we’re especially grateful to have been recipients of their efforts and generosity this year.”