Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

QUINCY, Mass., and PURCHASE, N.Y. — Stop & Shop customers in New England and the New York Metro area helped the retailer give back more than $22 million in 2011 into the hundreds of communities in which they operate.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — In the wake of tornadoes that hit communities in Kentucky on Friday, retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid has donated to a local Red Cross chapter to assist victims.

The company said Sunday that the Rite Aid Foundation, its philanthropic arm, had donated $15,000 to the Bluegrass chapter of the American Red Cross. The foundation also will provide supplies and items to assist with disaster relief efforts. Eli Lilly Foundation also pledged to donate $100,000 to the Red Cross.

New York — Stop & Shop announced that its New England and New York Metro divisions and its customers were able to give back more than $22 million in 2011 into the hundreds of communities in which they operate.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is taking its promotion of health-and-wellness solutions further by launching its own branded, bimonthly magazine.

New York City -- Macy’s has unveiled the launch of its new Facebook page. Shifting to Facebook’s new timeline format, Macy’s will now share the history of its brand, as well as the company’s current news and initiatives.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two Feeding America food banks and a Macomb County, Mich., resident were named winners of Meijer's "Get Gifted" online holiday contest.

The retailer said it donated $10,000 to Gleaners Community Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest last week and named Vickie Spokes its grand prize winner of $10,000 in Meijer gift cards.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets has promoted Kelly Williams-Puccio to executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities.

In her new position, Williams-Puccio will be responsible for the strategic direction of the foundation, managing foundation giving policies and processes and maintaining the charitable legacy of company founder, George Jenkins.

Retail aficionados will recognize the headline above as the long-running tagline for Syms, the recently liquidated off-price apparel retailer. While things didn’t work out as founder Sy Syms or his CEO daughter Marcy had planned, Walmart is looking to apply similar logic about educated consumers to the area of nutrition, healthy eating and smart shopping.

New York City -- CVS/pharmacy announced on Thursday that it is providing several free services, educational information and special product offers during February's American Heart Month.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop will open a store in Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Md., on Feb. 27. This will be the chain’s second store located inside a hospital.

“When kids are sick or injured, making a new furry friend is a great way to take their mind off of their treatment and a teddy bear hug can help them feel better,” said Maxine Clark, company founder and chief executive. “We’re proud that Build-A-Bear Workshop can bring teddy bear hugs and a positive experience to the children of Sinai Hospital.”