Last updated on November 11th, 2016 at 08:50 am
All of Hy-Vee’s Des Moines-area stores collected customers’ donations last week and through the weekend to benefit the families of two police officers who were gunned down in their patrol cars on Nov. 2. To supplement customers’ donations, Hy-Vee is giving $25,000 to each officer’s family.
Justin Martin, a 24-year-old rookie officer in the Des Moines suburb of Urbandale, and Des Moines Police Sgt. Anthony Beminio, 38, were fatally shot just minutes apart in ambush-style attacks, according to reports. An Urbandale man has been charged with first-degree murder in both killings. Funerals for the officers were held this week.
“Whenever tragedy strikes in one of our communities, we instinctively look to our law enforcement partners to pull us together and help us heal,” said Hy-Vee Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker. “When tragedy—especially such an unimaginable act as this—befalls those who protect us, we want to emulate their response, show compassion and help in any way that we can.”
Hy-Vee set up collection tables at the entrances of all Des Moines-area Hy-Vee stores through Nov. 6. Hy-Vee employees accepted customer donations at the tables from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Outside of those hours, stores continued to accept donations at the customer service counter.
With direction from the Des Moines and Urbandale police departments, Hy-Vee is providing the customer donations to the Des Moines Police Officers’ Credit Union, where the money will be divided equally and deposited into funds established for Martin’s and Beminio’s families.
Company’s Homefront efforts honor veterans
In other Hy-Vee news, and in recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the grocery chain encourages its customers to join its Hy-Vee Homefront initiative and serve the men and women who have served America. The Hy-Vee Homefront initiative is comprised of several company efforts, including complimentary Veterans Day breakfasts at all Hy-Vee stores, honor flights and veterans and military member employee recruitment.
‘Round Up’ contributions to surpass $1M
Through the Hy-Vee “Round Up for the Homefront” program, customers can join Hy-Vee in supporting veterans and military members when they check out through Nov. 13 at the company’s 242 grocery stores across eight midwestern states. Customers can participate by simply “rounding up” their purchases to the next dollar—or a desired dollar amount—at the checkout. Hy-Vee will match customer donations, up to $100,000.
And this year is the first time that customers can donate through Hy-Vee’s Aisles Online. The online shopping service will allow customers to contribute $1 or $5 per order to support veterans.
“Hy-Vee Homefront is our way of partnering with our customers to say thank you to those who have served our country,” said Brad Waller, assistant VP of community relations at Hy-Vee. “With the generous support of our customers and our company match this year, we anticipate surpassing $1 million in funds raised over the past three years to assist veterans and their families.”
All proceeds from Hy-Vee’s Round Up program benefit Hope for the Warriors, Operation First Response and the Puppy Jake Foundation.
Hope for the Warriors is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families and the families of the fallen who have suffered physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Operation First Response helps meet the immediate personal and financial needs of wounded military members and their families. And, the Puppy Jake Foundation raises, trains and provides service dogs to veterans.
Veterans Day breakfasts to serve 90K
In addition to Hy-Vee’s Round Up effort, the grocery chain will commemorate Veterans Day this year by offering a free breakfast to all veterans and active-duty military members. Hy-Vee expects to serve more than 90,000 veterans and service members at its 242 stores on Nov. 11.
1,100-plus heroes hired through recruiting efforts
Every year, Hy-Vee increases its efforts to recruit and provide employment to veterans and active-duty military members. Over the past two years, Hy-Vee has hired more than 1,100 veterans or active military members in full- or part-time positions.
As part of the recruitment initiative, Hy-Vee offers newly hired veterans a relocation package that includes a $5,000 signing bonus with a two-year commitment, transportation of household goods and an allowance on closing costs of a home purchase through Midwest Heritage. In addition, all veterans and active-duty military members receive a paid day off on Veterans Day, career placement assistance for their spouses or family members and coordination of military-related community outreach programs.
