65 Tom Thumb stores to raise money for Easter Seals North Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 29, 2010 -- Media Contact:

Easter Seals North Texas
1424 Hemphill Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104-4703
817-759-7900

Contact: Lenee Bassham
817-759-7959
lbassham@ntx.easterseals.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safeway’s People with Disabilities Campaign Means Business

Expanding Easter Seals’ critical autism, early intervention, inclusive child care and employment services nationwide to support thousands of families

FORT WORTH, Texas– April is Autism Awareness Month and executives from Safeway, Easter Seals and Special Olympics have launched the grocery retailer’s annual fundraising campaign for people with disabilities. The three organizations challenged employers to remember economic recovery should include all segments of the population, including people with autism and other disabilities.

“Now more than ever, employers need to tap into an extraordinary resource—people with disabilities that are ready and willing to work,” says Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of the Safeway Foundation. “Along with a paycheck, gainful employment affords people with disabilities a priceless measure of self worth and independence.”

Each April, Safeway’s Tom Thumb stores in North Texas raise funds to help children and adults with autism and other disabilities by asking shoppers to donate to Easter Seals, the largest non-profit provider of autism and disability services, and Special Olympics at checkout lanes. The annual campaign coincides with April’s Autism Awareness Month and Easter Seals’ Act for Autism® efforts to raise awareness about the services and treatments the organization provides to families living with autism.

Last year, Safeway surpassed the $100 million mark for lifetime contributions to Easter Seals, all made since the two organizations’ partnership began in 1986. In April 2009 alone, Safeway--and its thousands of employees and customers—raised nearly $9 million for Easter Seals services.

“Safeway’s commitment to Easter Seals and the millions of families we serve runs far beyond the annual fundraising campaign – it’s business,” says James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Easter Seals. “Today, the company employs nearly 10,000 adults with autism and other disabilities, giving many a career and a means to live independently.”

The Safeway family of stores promotion runs April 1 through April 30. Last year, Tom Thumb shoppers raised more than $225,000 for Easter Seals North Texas. There are 65 Tom Thumb stores in the North Texas area.

About Easter Seals North Texas

Easter Seals North Texas has been providing services and support to children and adults with disabilities, and to their families, for more than 70 years. ESNT serves more than 10,000 people in 34 North Texas counties. Nationally, Easter Seals is the country’s leading provider of services for people with autism. April is Autism Awareness Month. For more information, go to www.ntx.easterseals.com.

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