“Even during these hard economic times, the dedication of our customers, associates and vendors in helping those who need it most was felt throughout 2008,” Sander van der Laan, president and CEO. “Giant is proud of our commitment to give back to those communities we serve, especially in support of eradicating hunger and improving the quality of life of children. Thanks to the generosity of many, last year’s was one of our largest donations.”

As organizations that “live here and give here,” Giant and Martin’s gave back to local organizations through donations at both the corporate and store levels. Here are a few of the highlights of both Giant and Martin’s community programs in 2008:

  • - Regional Food Banks – Local food banks across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia received $2.4 million in product, customer and corporate donations - including 1,200 turkeys at Thanksgiving. In addition, Giant formed a strategic partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to help leverage supplier relationships to assist the food bank, which has resulted in significant savings.
  • - Children’s Miracle Network – A July golf outing for more than 1,700 associates and vendors held at twelve courses in Pennsylvania, along with $1 paper balloon and candle sales to customers, raised $2.3 million to benefit local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals throughout Giant’s operating areas.
  • - Multiple Sclerosis Society – Giant continues to be a proud supporter of the MS Society, raising more than $650,000 in 2008 through customer and corporate donations, and walk participants. Team Giant was the #1 MS Walk team in the country for the fifth consecutive year.
  • - Support Our Troops – Customers helped support their regional USO with a total donation of $200,000.
  • - Local Schools – Through Giant’s A+ School Rewards program, local schools received over $1.5 million to fund educational programs and materials.
  • - United Way – Associate and corporate contributions to local United Way agencies reached more than $1 million in 2008.
  • - Giant for Jake – The company’s annual golf outing, held at Hershey Country Club, raised $401,000 for the Jake Gittlen Memorial Cancer Institute at the Hershey Medical Center.

In fall 2008, Giant was also recognized for its community contributions by Keep America Beautiful, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Liberty USO. Giant received the Business Partner in Waste Reduction award from the highly-regarded environmental advocate, Keep America Beautiful, for its work with the Pennsylvania affiliate, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, to reduce waste and enhance public greenspace. The company received the National Multiple Sclerosis Society “Shining Star” Award in recognition of the company’s involvement in the fight against MS. Liberty USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey also awarded Giant with its prestigious Chairman’s Award, which recognizes exceptional and sustained support for the morale, welfare and special needs of local members of the armed forces and their families.

In 2007, Giant and Martin’s customers, associates and vendors contributed more than $12.2 million to support the company’s “Living Here, Giving Here” programs.