Local supermarkets kick off Valley Children’s drive

Shoppers at Save Mart stores in Madera, Chowchilla, Fresno and elsewhere will be able to support Valley Children’s Healthcare from today through April 30.

Patrons can tear off $2, $3 or $5 coupons at checkout to add to their bill and donate it. In 2016, the same drive raised more than $23,000 for Madera County children’s hospital and its medical partners.

“We are so grateful to Save Mart Supermarkets for their ongoing support,” said Valley Children’s vice president Rob Saroyan. “We look forward to another successful campaign in support of Valley Children’s Healthcare.”

Valley Children’s Healthcare features a 358-bed children’s hospital as well as partner hospitals, specialty care centers, satellite practices and primary care services.

To date, Save Mart and its customers have given more than $866,000 through this annual fundraiser and the Shares Powered by eScrip program, in which up to 3 percent of qualifying purchases are donated to the hospital.

“We’re happy to partner with such a renowned facility to ensure our kids in the Valley continue to have access to vital care,” said Save Mart general manager Randy Sientz.