Associated Retail Operations (ARO) team members have once again made a remarkable contribution to their local communities through the 2024 School Supply Drive. This year’s initiative raised an impressive$77,574, which will be distributed to local schools and school pantries. The purpose of the drive is to ensure students and teachers have access to the essential materials they need to thrive throughout the school year. From classroom supplies to pantry items, every donation plays a vital role in supporting the educational environment, particularly for schools that may be under-resourced.
The participating stores selected specific schools and school pantries to receive the funds, ensuring the donations directly benefit the areas with the greatest needs. The funds raised will go towards providing students with necessities such as notebooks, pencils, and backpacks, as well as essential resources for school pantries that help support families facing food insecurity. The drive’s ultimate goal is to lighten the financial burden on students and teachers.
Two stores were recognized for their exceptional efforts: the Dick’s Market Bountiful location, which raised $10,709, and the Macey’s Holladay store, which achieved the highest sales per guest count with 9.91 percent. Additionally, top-performing cashiers were honored with Visa gift cards, including a standout effort from Lin’s Sunset, whose cashier raised $2,568. “I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished during this year’s school supply drive,” said Blaine Butterworth, store director of Dick’s Market in Bountiful. “Our schools do so much to raise and shape the next generation, and we feel fortunate to be able to give back and support them.”
The ARO School Supply Drive is an excellent example of how ARO supports the communities it serves. Associated Food Stores (AFS) is, after all, a local company that is geared toward developing and uplifting the localities they service. The team at AFS is grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to this important cause and is excited to work on the next.