The Candle Review

Martin’s customers raise more than $500K for children’s hospitals

For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News

CARLISLE, Pa. - Demonstrating a hearty holiday spirit, customers at Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets contributed $530,689 during an in-store holiday campaign, simply by buying a candle. This will be adding to the $1.8 million already raised by the stores in support of the Children’s Miracle Network.

The grocery chain concluded its annual “Candles for Kids” campaign with a record-setting amount that will benefit hospitalized children throughout the stores’ operating areas.

“The outpouring of support from our customers and associates was nothing short of phenomenal,” said Rick Herring, division president. “On behalf of our associates and regional Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, I want to thank our customers for their generous support of children who are fighting for good health this holiday season.”

“Candles for Kids” is an annual two-week Children’s Miracle Network fundraising program that ran from Nov. 29 to Dec. 13. Customers were encouraged to purchase a paper candle during checkout for $1 each and to write their names on these candles, which were then displayed in the stores. In 2008, the stores’ customers and associates donated $527,640 during the campaign.

Seven Children’s Miracle Network hospitals will receive the donations: Penn State Children’s Hospital at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Health Systems, University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center in Washington.