More than 186 Kroger-Atlanta Division stores in Georgia, South Carolina and Eastern Alabama teamed with customers to raise more than $292,000 to help save and improve the lives of people fighting muscle disease during the 33rd annual MDA Shamrock program to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

“Each year, Kroger- Atlanta Division employees and customers open their hearts to make a big difference for those we serve through the simple act of selling or purchasing an MDA Shamrock,” said MDA Fundraising Coordinator Holly Whire. “We’re grateful for Kroger's unyielding support and to all those who donated critical funds that will help accelerate treatments and cures for hundreds of local MDA families who are desperately counting on us."

From March 8 through March 21, Kroger locations participated in the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser in which customers and associates purchased an MDA shamrock at check-out for a $1 or $5 contribution. Each shamrock purchased was signed by the customer and displayed on ceilings and walls in stores in every community, visually declaring steadfast support that will help individuals and families with muscular dystrophy and related diseases get stronger and live longer. 

“We are incredibly proud of our customers and associates who helped support MDA over the years,” said Glynn Jenkins, director of public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “Thanks to their donations this Shamrock season, we can help inspire hope to all those living with neuromuscular diseases.” 

This is the fifteenth consecutive year Kroger-Atlanta Division has participated in the MDA Shamrock program. Kroger-Atlanta Division customers and associates have raised more than $4.3 million since 2001 in the fight against dozens of muscle diseases that often take away people’s ability to walk, move, talk, smile and even breathe.

Dollars raised through 2015 Kroger shamrock donations help support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, as well as groundbreaking research to accelerate treatments and uncover cures. They also fund one-of-a-kind MDA summer camps that remove barriers and build independence for kids affected by muscle diseases.

Learn more about the MDA Shamrock program and how to get involved at mda.org/shamrocks.