Meijer to begin Simply Give effort

GRAND RAPIDS — Meijer’s Simply Give program that helps feed hungry families will run through Sept. 28.

During each Simply Give campaign, customers are encouraged to purchase a $10 Simply Give donation card upon checkout. Once purchased, the donation is converted into a Meijer Food-Only Gift Card and donated directly to the local food pantry selected by the store for that campaign.

On Friday, Meijer will double match customers’ donations. That means for every $10 donation card purchased, Meijer will contribute $20, resulting in a total $30 donation, according to a press release.

Meijer began its Simply Give program in 2008 to help local food pantries fulfill their mission of feeding hungry families. Since then, the program has generated more than $50 million, which equates to more than 500 million meals. According to Feeding America, $1 equals 10 meals.

“We are committed to helping end food insecurity in the Midwest and are thankful for the continued support from our generous customers and team members,” said Cathy Cooper, Meijer’s senior director of community partnerships and Giving. “We are pleased that participation in the Simply Give program continues to grow because it makes a big difference in the communities we serve.”

Beth Millner Jewelry donates part of sales to U.P. nonprofits

MARQUETTE — Beth Millner Jewelry has announced new nonprofit organizations to be the beneficiaries of its fundraiser jewelry program.

This year’s nonprofits are Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, Peter White Public Library, Bonifas Arts Center and Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority.

Each year, the jewelry store creates a custom piece for each featured organization to be sold in its downtown Marquette studio and online, then $50 from each piece sold is donated to the organization.

In the first month launched, $400 was donated to UPAWS and $1,250 was sent to the PWPL. The Bonifas Arts Center and IOHRA pendants launch in October.