Krogers supports USO with new campaign

The Kroger Co. is teaming up with the USO on a new customer engagement campaign to raise money for military veterans and their families.

Customers and associates of Kroger Co. stores (including Ralph's, Food 4 Less and other divisions) will be able to show their support through July 21 by donating their spare change in specially-marked coin boxes at the check stands in all Ralphs supermarkets. One-hundred percent of all donations will go to the USO. But new this year is a digital marketing element in which veterans tell their stories on honoringourheroes.com.

"The USO supports our military and their families in so many ways—from being right there for the wounded, injured and ill, to helping those who are on deployment record a bed time story for their children," said Kendra Doyel, Ralphs' senior manager of corporate affairs. "The USO connects with our service men and women every step of the way, and Ralphs is proud to honor our troops and veterans by supporting them."

Since 2010, Kroger has provided more than $11.9 million to support the USO –- the largest cumulative gift to the USO in the organization's history.

Also this year Kroger is recognizing company employees and their families who are active and former military members, including Anthony Vapor who works at the Ralphs at 18405 Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley.

Vapor is an Engineman 3rd Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy Reserves. He says managing his job at Ralphs and his military commitment has been "easy" because Ralphs is a "military friendly" company.

"My managers at Ralphs have been very accommodating. They really understand my "other job" and work with me," says Vapor, a Navy Reservist since 2012.

The annual Honoring Our Heroes campaign is just one element of Kroger's year-round commitment to supporting members of the military and their families. Kroger has hired more than 29,000 veterans since 2009.