CHICAGO, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jewel-Osco and the U.S. Marine Corps are teaming up with the local community to launch the annual Toys for Tots Drive. The kick-off event for the drive began yesterday, Nov. 1, 2007, at Jewel-Osco, 2520 N. Narragansett, Chicago. The toy drive will end on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007.
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This marks Jewel-Osco's 4th year as sponsor of Toys for Tots. As the sponsor with the most convenient drop-off locations, the grocery store chain asks its customers and associates to take part in the annual toy drive that provides toys for thousands of area children. Bins will be set up in front of all 185 Jewel-Osco stores as drop-off spots for the toys.
"Jewel-Osco is proud to be a part of the Toys for Tots program," said Keith Nielsen, president of Jewel-Osco. "The holiday season is a special time for all children to have a smile on their face, especially on Christmas morning. We know that the Toys for Tots program helps accomplish this goal."
Each year the U.S. Marine Corps connects with over 500 communities throughout the United States to provide needy children toys for Christmas. Members of each community are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes located in Jewel-Osco stores. Local businesses play a huge role in the functioning of the Toys for Tots Program by providing drop-off boxes in their stores, free warehouse space for storing and sorting, vehicles for the collection of the toys and valuable media exposure. With the help of local social welfare and community agencies and churches, the toys are distributed to children on December 23rd and 24th.
"The U.S. Marine Corp is excited to have a store like Jewel-Osco on board," said Marine Sgt. Carlos A. Rivas. "It is very important to us that Jewel-Osco participate in this program because it allows everyone in the community to get involved," he said.
To secure even more toys for children, a Motorcycle Parade is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, 2007, to help support the toy drive. The parade brings in an excess of 10,000 motorcycles and almost twice as many toys for children.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3), is a not-for profit public charity and all donations are tax deductible.
About JEWEL-OSCO
Jewel-Osco, a SUPERVALU company, operates 185 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. With a market-leading position in Chicago, Jewel-Osco stores offer consumers the convenience of combined grocery and pharmacy retail, in addition to services such as fuel centers at select locations. Originally established in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities they serve, contributing more than $4 million each year to a variety of local charitable causes. For more information about Jewel-Osco, please visit http://www.jewelosco.com/ or http://www.oscopharmacy.com/.
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